Alex Ferguson Hoping Imitation of Paul Scholes Ryan Giggs

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Ryan Giggs has said it will postpone retirement, and still wearing a Manchester United shirt next season. What about Paul Scholes?

"I do not want to talk about the future of Scholes, but I see no reason he should not play with us next season," says Alex Ferguson, coach of Manchester United.

Giggs believes Fergie's decision to play one more season would help persuade Scholes Fergie to do the same.

Scholes states summer 2011 retreat for sure could not contribute as desired, and would rather consider to be the Red Devils reserve team coach.

But the work did not satisfy him. He Fergie to approach, and asked if maybe he went on playing career.

Fergie gave him the chance to appear in the FA Cup third round. Scholes did not lose touch of the best, and Fergie gave him the opportunity to play in nine games left.

He scored two important goals, which makes Fergie did not hesitate to play the 37-year-old player until the end of the season. "Scholes has now changed. He knows when to retire, and began his career as a

coach, "said fergie.

Could Emmanuel Adebayor mark his 28th birthday with a goal against Arsenal? Ten key stats for this weekend's action

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The north London derby looks to be the Premier League game of choice this weekend as in-form Tottenham travel to their neighbours Arsenal looking to inflict further misery on a club that has possibly kissed goodbye to any hopes of silverware this season.

A joint statement from the third and fourth-placed clubs was issued on Thursday to gently remind fans of the repercussions of the over-zealous abuse expected to be slung on Sunday.

Sunday also sees the League Cup conclude with Liverpool expected to have too much for Championship outfit Cardiff at Wembley. The Reds have met - and beaten - lower-tier opponent four times in a competition’s final before.

Beleaguered Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas seems on the brink of dismissal following defeat against Naples and it is possible that only a win over Bolton will save him from Roman Abramovich's notoriously itchy trigger finger.

Elsewhere, Manchester United face a tricky trip to Norwich – they lost 2-0 on their last visit – whilst Wolves begin life under new boss Terry Connor away to Newcastle.

The league leaders Manchester City will not reintroduce Carlos Tevez to the fans just yet but Blackburn have plenty of reasons to fear their trip to the Etihad even without him.

With that, here are Goal.com's 10 key stats as we look ahead to the weekend's football.

Chelsea

v

Bolton

5 - Bolton have the dubious honour of claiming the most red cards in the league this season. Jlloyd Samuel was the last player sent off in this fixture back in October 2009.

More on Chelsea v Bolton

Newcastle

v

Wolves

5 - Both clubs conceded five goals in their last Premier League outing. While Alan Pardew could write it off as a bad day at the office, Mick McCarthy was told to leave his office.

More on Newcastle v Wolves

QPR

v

Fulham

0 - The home side have not scored a goal in this west London derby in the previous five fixtures. The last meeting at Loftus Road ended 2-0 to the Cottagers and their most recent clash was a massive 6-0 win for Martin Jol's inconsistent side.

More on QPR v Fulham

West Brom

v

Sunderland

8 - West Brom have lost eight of their 12 games at the Hawthorns, scoring just nine goals in the process. Sunderland arrive with confidence high, having disposed of Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round last Sunday.

More on West Brom v Sunderland

Wigan

v

Aston Villa

10 - Wigan have gone ten matches without a home league win, more than any other club in the league at this time.

More on Wigan v Aston Villa

Manchester City

v

Blackburn

150 - Should he feature, as expected, for Manchester City on Saturday, Joe Hart will play in his 150th Premier League match. He also carries the most clean sheets in the league this season - currently standing at 11.

More on Manchester City v Blackburn

Arsenal

v

Tottenham

28 - Former Arsenal striker, now plying his trade at Tottenham, Emmanuel Adebayor celebrates his 28th birthday on the day of the north London derby.

More on Arsenal v Tottenham

Norwich City

v

Manchester United

13 - Both sides are joint second in the Premier League form table with 13 points gained in their last six games. They trail Manchester City who have acquired 15 points.

More on Norwich City v Manchester United

Stoke City

v

Swansea City

48 - Swansea have gone 48 league games without consecutive losses. This record is under threat at the Brittania Stadium following their last outing, a 3-2 loss at home to Norwich. 

More on Stoke City v Swansea City

Cardiff City

v

Liverpool

15 - Should Liverpool follow the bookmakers' form and claim the League Cup on Sunday, they will equal the record set by Manchester United for English cup wins.

More on Cardiff City v Liverpool

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish hints at move for LA Galaxy striker Robbie Keane in the summer

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Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has hinted that he could make a permanent move forRobbie Keane in the summer.

Keane will return to LA Galaxy after making his final appearance for Villa at Wigan on Saturday.

The former Tottenham striker has impressed on his return to the Premier League, with three goals in six games, and McLeish believes there is a chance of a deal in the summer.
 “Who knows? We just need to wait and see what happens between now and then,” the 53-year-old told Sky Sports.

"Robbie's been a breath of fresh air. He's a good leader, he's a talker, and he's a very good footballer.

“It's been great to have him around and, hopefully, some of his influences have rubbed off on some of the younger players.

"Maybe we've forged a relationship now, and I hope Robbie thinks of us first if he's going to do this again next season."

McLeish’s side are on a run of four Premier League games without a win but face three sides in the bottom half in their next three games.
Next up is Roberto Martinez’s side, and the former Rangers manager has warned his players that Wigan will go into the game on Saturday expecting a result.

"They'll be thinking the same thing," he said. "Wigan had a very good result away at Bolton, so they'll be buoyed by that. With their home advantage, they'll feel that if they can get two victories in a row, it can set them up.

"But we've got our own ideas about that, and we would like to target a maximum nine points in the next three games.”

Blackburn assistant Eric Black confirms Anzhi target Chris Samba is in talks with another club

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Blackburn Rovers assistant manager Eric Black has confirmed that Anzhi Makhachkalatarget Chris Samba is in talks with another club.

The Russian transfer window doesn’t close until later on Friday and it is understood that recently-appointed manager Guus Hiddink wants to add the experienced defender to his ranks.

Mega-rich Anzhi have signed several high-profile players in recent months, such as Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o and former Chelsea winger Yuri Zhirkov.

Former Congo international Samba looked likely to leave Ewood Park in January after he handed in a transfer request, but possible moves to QPR and Tottenham eventually fell through.

Black said: "I think negotiations are ongoing at the moment. I don't really know the details and I'm not really in a position to comment further on that, but negotiations are ongoing.

"I've only heard bits and pieces, but I know the manager is speaking as we speak and hopefully there will be an outcome soon."

Black also believes Samba’s departure wouldn’t detract too much from the Blackburn side, adding: "He hasn't played for a few weeks and our performances have been exceptional.

"Obviously there was a blip at Arsenal, but again, you look at the performances against Newcastle, Fulham and QPR and the guys that have been in there have done exceptionally well."

Fraizer Campbell describes England call-up as 'best moment in my life' after injury-hit year

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Sunderland's Fraizer Campbell has described being called up to the England squad as the best moment of his life.
Interim boss Stuart Pearce named the Black Cats frontman in the squad for the first time ahead of Wednesday's friendly match against the Netherlands.

Campbell has overcome a spate of injuries to become a talismanic figure for Martin O'Neill's rejuvenated Mackems side this season.

"It's gone from the worst point in my life 18 months ago to now, which is probably the best moment in my life,” Campbell said.

"It's been a bit of a roller-coaster but the last month or so has been brilliant, playing games and being involved again.

"I was surprised, delighted and honoured to be part of it. It's always been an ambition of mine.

"From 10 years old, all you think about is playing for your favourite club and playing for your country.

"Any footballer in the league would be lying if he didn't say that so it's massive really. Brilliant.

"At first, I couldn't tell anyone yet really. I get called up for England and then got drug-tested along with [Sunderland team-mate] Michael Turner.

"I was sat there for ever - an hour and a half - so didn't get the chance to speak to anyone."

England are still to appoint a full-time manager following Fabio Capello's resignation but Campbell feels the current set-up offers fringe players like himself the chance to make a case for the national team.

"It's a big opportunity," he said.

"No-one really knows who the new England manager is going to be, so when you are out there on the big stage, you have got to try to show what you can do. It's an opportunity for me to stake a claim and do really well for myself.

"I have always known myself that I am a good player but the injuries set me back a bit. You hope to get back to your usual self, just go out there and enjoy your football.

"I know half the (England) team anyway, so it's not going to be a major shock, but it's a great honour. I can't wait to go."

Saturday Premier League betting preview: Back the draw when Sunderland visit West Brom

Saturday’s game at the Hawthorns pits two sides riding the crest of a wave at the moment.

While Sunderland’s upturn in fortunes under Martin O’Neill continued with a comprehensive win over Arsenal in the FA Cup, West Brom come into this one having demolished local rivals Wolves 5-1 at Molineux.
West Brom’s form on the road has been phenomenal but there are issues for Roy Hodgson to address at home. Only the Manchester clubs have picked up more points than the Baggies on their travels but no team has fewer points in front of their own fans.

Albion can be backed to begin amending that by beating Sunderland at 11/8 (2.38) with William Hill.

That will be quite a challenge against this resurgent Sunderland team. After earning just 21 points in 27 games under Steve Bruce, O’Neill’s Black Cats have topped that tally in less than half the matches.

Sunderland are a vastly improved side on their travels having won three out of five away from home under their new boss and are a 2/1 (3.0) shot to beat the Baggies. The draw is available with William Hill at 9/4 (3.25).

Peter Odemwingie comes into this one after bagging a hat-trick against Wolves despite being fielded in unfamiliar right-wing role. Ten of Odemwingie’s 22 goals for West Brom have been the first of the game and he is an 11/2 (6.5) shot with William Hill to grab his 11th against Sunderland.

Stephane Sessegnon has four second-half strikes to his name in the Premier League this season and also had the last word against Middlesbrough in an FA Cup replay earlier this month. Sessegnon is a13/2 (7.5) pick to be the last goalscorer.

Sunderland’s taste for late goals, coupled with West Brom’s stronger starts, informs our look at the other markets in this one. 

Only Manchester United have scored more goals than Sunderland in the last 15 minutes and that will give O’Neill’s men heart even if things do not go their way in the early stages. William Hill are offering a price of 14/1 (15.0) for West Brom/draw in the half-time/full-time market.

That’s a tempter given the habits of these two sides and is the Value Bet for this one – not least because it is hard to separate the teams. A draw is a real possibility and at 9/4 (3.25)is the Bet of the Day.

Blackburn boss Steve Kean: Fan protests have had an impact on my life

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Steve Kean has admitted that protests by the Blackburn Rovers fan have affected him, but he remains keen to stay at the club and prove his doubters wrong.
The Scot has been an unpopular figure at Ewood Park since replacing Sam Allardyce as manager in 2010.

But, Kean insists he tries to maintain a normal working life despite the vitriol often aimed at him.

“I get here at 8am every morning, occasionally through protests,” the Scot told The Times.
“Football is my life. I work with the coaches, sports scientists and players throughout the day.
"I leave at 7.30 or 8 every night, watch a couple of football games on video, and then write for an hour in my journal. I usually call my wife on the phone before going to bed.”
The 44-year-old reserved special praise for his wife, Margaret, who still lives in Surrey with their children, although often travels up to Lancashire for matches.
She was present for Blackburn's home loss to Bolton in December, witnessing first-hand thousands of fans raining down chants of anger towards her husband, and Kean admitted he found the level of abuse tough to take.
“My wife has been amazing,” Kean beamed. “She is very strong and balanced.
"After the Bolton match, she said: ‘OK, that’s one that never went the right way, but the next one will.’
"But that night against Bolton hurt. I am glad the children were not there because it would have been horrible for them to hear all that.
“I would be lying if I said it did not have an impact. It is not easy to take that kind of abuse. I stood there on the touchline because you cannot hide from it.
"You have to confront it or it will get too much for you. But when I look at the players and I know they are still responding to me, it helps. I know dressing rooms and these players believe in what we are doing together.”
Kean admitted that some fans may have gone overboard with their opinions. He is now accompanied by a bodyguard, due to worries for his safety, but is happy that the majority of Blackburn supporters are only interested in backing the team.
When asked if some fans had taken things too far Kean admitted: “Well, maybe.
"But I think the vast majority of fans are passionate, but also non-violent, whether towards me or anybody else. I also think most of the fans at Blackburn are behind me. It is all surreal, though, I cannot deny that.”

Law denies Ajax Luis Suarez to Old Trafford

PROSHOTS
Ajax communication manager, Miel Brinkhuis, denied the party who invited Luis Suarez klublah to provide support at Old Trafford as Manchester United De Ajacieden conference tomorrow night.

Suarez, the former Ajax is now dressed in Liverpool, previously reported to have held the ticket matches the last 32 second leg of the Europa League.
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This news was enough to make a scene because the Uruguay striker had a bad reputation in the public eye following the incident in Old Trafford rejection handshake with Patrice Evra.

However, Brinkhuis himself did not rule out the possibility Suarez may indeed have a ticket granting one former colleague at Ajax. But he made sure the player nicknamed El Pistolero is not going to come in later games.

"Luis was not invited by us as a club, not like John Heitinga [former Ajax player is now defending Everton]. The defender will sit in the VIP tribune with our guests to another," Brinkhuis said the Sp! Ts.

"Maybe players like Jan Vertonghen Suarez invited to the game. I know of others that Suarez would not attend the match at Old Trafford."


"I asked someone about the possibility of the presence of Suarez and he said he replied: 'No, come to the game is not in my plans.'"

Andre Villas-Boas at camp David Luiz

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Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas David Luiz defense makes a mistake that resulted in one of the Napoli goal in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 early this morning.

As you know, the Brazilian player becomes a scapegoat for Napoli's third goal scored by Ezequiel Lavezzi.

"It was obvious that the player becomes the target," says Villas-Boas.

"He's a fantastic young player with a bright future ahead of him, and he must try to improve his game."

"We conceded three goals. If he blamed on one goal, maybe he does not blame the other two goals."

Manchester United's Nani Ready to Extend Contract

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Manchester United reportedly ready to offer a contract extension to midfielder their flagship, Nani.

The Sun says United will offer a four-year contract with a salary of £ 130 thousand per week. Red Devils team ready to pour their funds, after they made ​​a lot of profit in the last six months
In addition, United also have reduced their debt in six months last year, in which £ 508 million debt has been reduced to £ 439 million.

Nani, who is now 24 years old, himself still has a two-year contract with a salary of £ 90 thousand per week.

Nani is believed to be very fit and happy to be at Old Trafford, although he is in great demand by Juventus and AC Milan. Therefore, the offer is expected to be approved by the Portuguese midfielder.

Ryo Miyaichi: Arsenal Very Tense Atmosphere

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Bolton Wanderers player with the status of a loan from Arsenal Ryo Miyaichi revealed that a very tense atmosphere in the Emirates.

With the increasing amount of pressure experienced by Arsene Wenger, lending Miyaichi to Bolton could be a positive thing for his career in European football.

Therefore, he felt more comfortable and happy after leaving Arsenal and join the Reebok Stadium.

"At Arsenal, the atmosphere was tremendous tension. But here (at Bolton) are all much more friendly," said the Japanese players.

Steven Gerrard Ready to Finish Degree Fast

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Liverpool's chance to end the fasting period of their title this weekend, where they will wait on Cardiff City in the League Cup final at Wembley.

Steven Gerrard insists determination as much as possible to reach the championship trophy because you no longer wish to extend a degree after six seasons of scarcity.

"Six years without a trophy is not good for the club," Gerrard said the Liverpool Echo.

"For too long, and everyone knows it. It's time for us to present the title."

Gerrard added that Liverpool are currently in the process forward and to success.

"We are very eager to bring back success. This is what we try to achieve," he explained.

"I hope all of this be the beginning for us. Stupid if we can win the League Cup trophy winner and ignore other opportunities. Degree is very important to us, but we also want to reach other important trophy."

Samir Nasri Ignore Kans In Manchester Derby Europa League

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After both were knocked out of Champions League, two Manchester clubs, City and United, are both competing in the Europa League in the rest of the season.

Both teams also have the chance to qualify for the last 16 after winning the first leg. In the next round, a chance occurrence Manchester derby closed, but not so if they can reach the final.

"Certainly will be interesting in the final derby later. United candidates must be one champion, but it does not seem to exist only club Manchester City or Manchester United, there are many other teams," he told Sky Sports.

Samir Nasri is also no possibility of assessing the Manchester derby in the final Europa League this season. But the midfielder did not want to Citizen wishing too much.

"We have not got there. We must face Porto first and then we'll see," explained Nasri.

John Terry is expected that only a month Absence

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John Terry is expected out for six weeks after undergoing surgery today to restore the knee injury that happened.

Andre Villas-Boas for the absence of Terry for six weeks into a nightmare for Chelsea, given England central defender was a mainstay in the defense sector.

"Without John, we lost a very important player in the team and missed a lot of goals lately, turned 180 degrees from what happened in January," says Villas-Boas.

That's why Chelsea's Portuguese manager was hoping Terry could quickly recover.

"I think absent in four weeks is enough," he said.

"We still have to wait and see tomorrow, how the operation and hopefully he can return to play within the expected time period. Usually it takes between four and six weeks," says Villas-Boas.

Villas-Boas but do not want to just expect to Terry.

"We still have to solve our problems at the back. I think we should focus on organizing the relationship between the four players behind us," he explained.

Xavi & Iniesta, Cole & Yorke & more matches made in Heaven - five of football's greatest ever partnerships

SPECIAL
By Jamie Dunn

Two allegations of racist abuse, snubbed handshakes, stamping on heads – there has been far too much hostility in football in recent weeks.

But, thankfully, it is Valentine’s Day, and love is in the air – or at least the greeting cards manufacturers would have us believe it is - so what better time to remind ourselves of the good side of the game?
So, before you rush out for a last-minute gift for your loved one, here is a look at some of football’s finest partnerships, or couples if you’d prefer.

Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta

They may have been rivals for Serie A titles at club level for several years, but for country, Cannavaro and Nesta were consistently central defensive partners.

The pair played together for the first time against Moldova in 1997 and played alongside each other in several major international competitions, right up until the 2006 World Cup in Germany, for which both defenders had been solid in qualification.

Unfortunately an injury in the group stages cut Nesta’s tournament short, but Cannavaro would go on to star for Italy as they lifted the World Cup, and he would later win the Ballon d’Or. What more romantic way for this proud nation to put the Calciopoli match fixing scandal behind them.

Cannavaro is Italy’s highest capped player with a massive 136 appearances, while Nesta has played 78 times for his country. The Milan man would surely have featured many more times had he not struggled with injuries and subsequently rejected approaches to come out of international retirement from both Roberto Donadoni and Marcello Lippi in 2006 and 2010 respectively.

Nesta has largely recovered from injuries and continues to feature for Milan, though he is due to retire later this year, while Cannavaro hung up his boots following a stint with Al Ahly in 2011.

Xavi and Andres Iniesta

So synonymous with each other are the midfield pairing of Xavi and Iniesta that it seems impossible that there was a time when one played without the other – rarely is one name mentioned without his midfield partner following in the same breath.

Xavi and Iniesta became mainstays in the Barcelona first team around 2004 and have barely looked back since. During that time, the Catalan club has won five La Ligas, a Copa del Rey, three Champions Leagues, two European Super Cups and two Club World Cups, thanks in no small part to this methodical duo.

"It was Iniesta... he changed the match. When Andres has the ball at his feet, you know something different is going to happen." - Xavi salutes midfield partner after Spain beat Chile

And the pairing has shone at international level, too. Xavi and Iniesta have been instrumental in Spain’s period of dominance, during which they have won both Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. It was Iniesta, of course, who scored the winning goal in the final in South Africa against the Netherlands.

Competition for places in the Spain team has been strong for a number of years with the likes of David Albelda, Marcos Senna, Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas all vying for places over various periods, but there has always been space for Xavi and Iniesta.

Barring a disaster, the same rule will apply when Spain look to defend their crown at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens

POETRY IN MOTION

John Toshack penned this ode to Kevin Keegan during a prolific spell together at Liverpool: "The scourge of defenders all over the land, He relied upon me to lend him a hand, We worked together; a perfect pair, Down on the ground and up in the air, Though we played two entirely opposite roles, Six seasons together brought two hundred goals, We were never short of a trick or surprise, We were once mistaken for Morecambe and Wise, Yet some of the time we couldn't agree, From up in the stands that was easy to see, But we'd soon work it out and get back in the groove, What do they say? True love never runs smooth, But the friendship we've forged forever will last, There was one major reason that brought us our fame, A genuine love we possess for our game."

Two of the protagonists of a hugely celebrated period for football, Cruyff and Neeskens were a part of one of the most decorated national teams in history.

Cruyff was a forward and Neeskens adopted a deeper role but, within the Netherlands side of the 1970s, neither player was limited to one rigid position.

Both players were key proponents of the Dutch philosophy of free-flowing, interchanging Total Football, having carried it into the national side from their club, Ajax.

The Amsterdam side were Europe’s most dominant force in the early 70s, with Cruyff and Neeskens both at the club, winning two league titles, two Dutch Cups and three European Cups among other accolades.

But at the 1974 World Cup, the Netherlands were beaten in the final by West Germany, despite having previously laid waste to Argentina and Brazil. That Dutch side is still considered to be the best team to never win the World Cup.

Cruyff had previously departed Ajax for Barcelona and Neeskens would follow shortly after, though together they could not replicate their success in the Netherlands in Spain and claimed only the Copa del Rey in 1978 as a pair.

Neeskens - nicknamed 'Johan the Second' due to his former team-mate being the first to join - would go on to play at the 1978 World Cup, without the retired Cruyff.

The Dutch would fall at the last hurdle once again in a final defeat to Argentina.

Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke

Already a two-time Premier League title winner, Cole must have thought the arrival of Yorke at Manchester United in 1998 would spell the end of his stay at Old Trafford, especially when coupled with his famously frosty relationship with Teddy Sheringham – the two barely uttered a word to each other and still haven’t to this day.

"It may well have been Sir Alex’s intention to replace the former Newcastle man. But instead, Yorke and Cole went on to forge a deadly partnership."

It may well have been Sir Alex Ferguson’s intention to replace the former Newcastle man in the starting XI with his Aston Villa acquisition.

But instead, Yorke and Cole went on to forge a deadly partnership.

Within one season together, Cole and Yorke had almost won the lot for United.

The Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League were secured during the treble-winning campaign of 1998-99, as the strike duo contributed a glut of goals to the club’s cause.

Cole and Yorke would remain prolific in two further successive title-winning seasons, but their importance to the side was slowly dwindling and, with their first-team appearances more and more limited, both would eventually leave the club.

The pair would later reunite for an altogether shorter and less prolific spell with Blackburn Rovers.

Jose Mourinho and Ricardo Carvalho

IN PERFECT HARMONY

HODDLE AND WADDLE In 1987, Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle took a break from playing for Tottenham to make a brief foray into the pop charts. Under the clever monicker 'Glenn and Chris', Spurs' midfield pairing released 'Diamond Lights', which reached the heady heights of No.12 in the official charts. Shortly after, both players moved to France, with Monaco and Marseille respectively.

Ever since Mourinho took over at Porto in January 2002, this player and coach partnership has been largely inseparable during a period spanning over a decade.

After working his way into the Porto first team, Carvalho became a dominant figure for the Portuguese side under Mourinho and the pair first tasted success together in 2003, claiming a Portuguese Premier League title and Uefa Cup double with a victory over Celtic.

Greater success would follow the season after as Porto would defend their league title and almost entirely unexpectedly win the Champions League.

Mourinho had garnered plenty of attention by this point and arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2004. The Special One was born, and Carvalho would soon follow as Roman Abramovich began spending his millions on making Chelsea a force in world football.

The Portuguese pair would claim more silverware during their time together at Stamford Bridge, including two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups and a Community Shield before Mourinho’s unceremonious departure.

Mourinho would conquer Italy with Inter, winning two Serie As, a Coppa Italia, a Supercoppa and another Champions League without Carvalho, who remained at Chelsea.

But it wasn’t long before the pair were reunited at Real Madrid where they now look more and more likely to add another league title to their impressive joint trophy haul.