Thursday Sep 29 2005 14:50
Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has issued a public apology for criticising Jose Mourinho's selection policy after he was left out of the team that beat Wigan 1-0 last weekend.
Mourinho's response to the Portugal international's complaints was to flippantly suggest the player needed to take an IQ test, but it was clear he was unhappy at having his authority questioned in the media.
With that in mind, Carvalho has decided to try and make amends for his original criticism.
"The recent comments made by me over my non-selection for the Wigan and Arsenal matches came from my frustration at not playing and I regret making them," read a statement from the 27-year-old.
"They were a mistake and I have apologised to the group for saying the things I did.
"I want to play for Chelsea and be part of the group. Like all footballers, I want to play every game and I am disappointed when I do not do so.
"I am aware of, and accept fully, my responsibilities to the team and the group and understand what this means at a club like Chelsea, where there are good players in each position and competition for places.
"Now all I want to do is train hard and fight for my place."
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