Carvalho ready for final

Chelsea defender relishing United test

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 20th May 2008

ricardo carvalho chelsea

Carvalho: Recovered from back problem

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Manchester United v Chelsea
6pm, Wednesday
Sky Sports 1 & HD1
Click here for live listings

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Ricardo Carvalho has told skysports.com that he is fit to line up against Manchester United and determined to finish on the winning side in a UEFA Champions League final for the second time in his career.

Carvalho was at Porto when they beat Monaco in 2004 and is set to feature in Wednesday's showpiece after overcoming a back injury that forced him to miss the final game of the Premier League season.

United have already been crowned English champions but Carvalho insists Chelsea are confident and will approach the match in the right manner.

"I am recuperated from my blow and prepared to play in Moscow. This match is very important to me," Carvalho told skysports.com.

"All that matters in a final is victory. To play and to lose is no good. Chelsea travel to Russia with a winning mentality.

"The last day of the Premier League is forgotten. We fought but Manchester United were champions and we accept this result.

"The Champions League final is another story. For me this match is very open and there is no favourite, but if people back United it is better for us because it puts more pressure on our rivals.

"I have won a Champions League final with Porto and my desire is to repeat the experience. It will not be easy but the situation is 50-50."

Grant backing

Avram Grant has been criticised at times this season and there has been speculation about his future as manager, but Carvalho feels he deserves enormous credit for leading Chelsea to the final.

"The players are with Grant. To reach the final is a success for us and the coach has demonstrated his quality.

"It would be unjust to say otherwise although nobody in England has confidence in his work. Perhaps he is considered too serious but Avram knows football."

Carvalho is wary of the threat presented by Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo but is hoping to stop him from having a huge impact on the game.

"It is true that Ronaldo was the man in the Premier League but I do not want him to be the man in the Champions League final."

Carcvalho added: "The nerves are the main thing. The two teams desire victory so much but it is important to play with as much calm as possible.

"During this week we have been working on all the details. They know all about us but also it is possible for us to exploit any situation during the match."