Carvalho: I wanted Real move

Ricardo Carvalho concedes that he would have been pleased to move to Real Madrid.

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho concedes that he would have moved to Real Madrid had the Spanish giants firmed up their interest with a bid.

The classy Portuguese stopper was thought to be on his way to La Liga when he quit last season's UEFA Champions League winners Porto.

Madrid were largely regarded to be Carvalho's primary suitors but former boss Jose Mourinho was desperate to add the player to Chelsea's ranks upon his own move to Stamford Bridge.

Although claiming he is more than content in West London, Carvalho also concedes that he would have found a call from Madrid difficult to resist.

''The decision of not going to play in Spain was not mine,'' Carvalho told Marca.

''The problem was that Real Madrid did not reach an agreement with Porto.

''When I knew that they were interested in me, I showed myself to be very contented.

''But, unfortunately, they did not reach an agreement. It's not a question of regret or not.

''In England, my team-mates at Chelsea say to me that my football was better suited to Spain.

''But, I've had a taste of the Premier League and for me, it is the best in the world along with Spain.

''I know also that if some day I play there (in Spain), I would be happy.''