Ricardo Carvalho joins Monaco

Newly-promoted Monaco have signed Ricardo Carvalho from Real Madrid on a one-year deal with the Ligue 2 champions.

The ex-Chelsea player also has an option for a further year on his contract. Carvalho said “I am delighted to join Monaco and participate in this new adventure. It is a new challenge for me.”

Carvalho won the Champions League with Porto in 2004, who coincidently defeated his new club Monaco in the final. Following this, the Portuguese international followed his manager Jose Mourinho to Chelsea. Carvalho again followed Mourinho when he joined Real Madrid in 2010.

It looks set to be a busy summer for Monaco, who have already signed Porto pair Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez. Rumours also continue to circulate over possible transfers for striker Falcao and goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Russian billionaire owner Dmitry Rybolovlev seems quite determined to fund an assault on the Ligue 1 title next season.