Ricardo Carvalho has issued an apology for the remarks he made this week.
Ricardo Carvalho has issued an apology for the remarks he made in response to being left out of the Chelsea team.
The Portuguese defender was frustrated at being dropped for the season opener at Wigan Athletic and fired a broadside at his manager Jose Mourinho in his homeland's press.
Mourinho's retort was to indicate that the centre back needs to take an IQ test if he does not understand his coach's stance.
"The recent comments made by me over my non-selection for the Wigan and Arsenal matches came from my frustration at not playing," said Carvalho in a statement. "And I regret making them.
"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."
Mourinho stressed he was in control of the situation and indicated his dissatisfaction with his compatriot.
"My response is private," said the Blues boss. "I had a meeting with him on Saturday and I was very clear and very objective.
"That's why I was very surprised with this interview on Tuesday because we spoke on Saturday and that's why, when he said he couldn't understand me, I answered that he must have a problem and must go to an IQ test.
"We spoke on Saturday and yesterday so, for me, that's enough. If he understands me now, life will be easy for him.
"If he doesn't understand me, [he needs] another IQ test but I think he will understand me."
After being told of Carvalho's apology, the former Porto chief quipped: "Maybe he's understanding me a little bit now!"
