Former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has retired from international football, saying he has been 'disrespected'.
Veteran defender walks out of national training camp
Former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has retired from international football, saying he has been 'disrespected'.
The 33-year-old reportedly walked out of Portugal's training camp in Obidos where they have been preparing for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Cyprus.
There are suggestions that the Real Madrid player had a disagreement with national coach Paulo Bento.
The Portuguese Football Federation released a statement
on it's website saying: "Ricardo Carvalho left the training camp without informing the FPF or the national team coach.
"The player will not be travelling to Cyprus."
Carvalho, who has won 75 caps for his country, subsequently issued a statement of his own to Portuguese news agency
Lusa.
He said: "I feel in top physical and mental condition, as I have shown through my performances for my club and in the Seleccao.
"If I'm made to feel I'm excess to requirements but I'm not told so, the only possibility is for me to leave.
Dedicated
"'I've played 75 times for Portugal and have been deeply dedicated to defending the good name of the Portuguese team.
"I have never before felt so disrespected and my dignity so wounded. Among my team-mates, I'm just another player.
"However, I deserve, like the others, consideration and respect.
"I did not intend to end my international career like this, but I do so consciously and convinced that I always honoured my country.
"I would like to thank all the Portuguese people."
