Portugal's squad paid tribute to their compatriot's late father ahead of their World Cup training session with Cristiano Ronaldo being among the main figures to express his condolences
Cristiano Ronaldo embraces Ricardo Carvalho
Cristiano Ronaldo offered his support to Ricardo Carvalho(Image: @selecaoportugal )
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Cristiano Ronaldo was among Portugal's stars to console Ricardo Carvalho following his father's death. The former Chelsea defender, now Roberto Martinez's assistant for the national team, discovered the news in his team's World Cup base in Miami and will return to his homeland for the funeral.
Carvahlo was still present for training on Monday, and Portugal's squad held a moment of silence for their compatriot's father, Manuel Ribeiro de Carvalho, who died aged 69. In a profound moment, the team came together in a circle, joined arms and bowed their heads in silence in a show of respect for Carvalho.
Ronaldo embraced his former team-mate, who earned 89 caps between 2003 and 2016, as did a number of his other colleagues. The poignant moments took place in the opening moments of Portugal's final training session in Miami.
"The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deepest sorrow for the passing of Manuel Ribeiro de Carvalho, father of Ricardo Carvalho, assistant coach of the National Team, at the age of 69," read a statement from the Portuguese football federation.
"In this moment of profound sadness, the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, the Board of Directors and all FPF employees extend their deepest condolences to Ricardo Carvalho and his entire family, sharing in their grief and wishing them strength to face this irreparable loss."
"We’re with you. Strength, Ricardo Carvalho," Portugal's national team said on social media, in addition to two photographs of the team offering their condolences.
Ahead of a press conference with Joao Felix to preview the round of 32 clash against Croatia, a national team adviser again highlighted the passing of Carvalho's father. "I just want to offer my and João's condolences to Ricardo Carvalho, whose father passed away," Francisco Trigo de Abreu said.
"He remains with us. We wanted to express our sadness because he was a great colleague and a great friend."
Portugal's stars joined arms
Portugal's stars joined arms(Image: @selecaoportugal)
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Following that press conference, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced that Carvalho would travel to Portugal to attend his father's funeral.
Portugal's preparations continue ahead of their knockout clash against Croatia. The European sides face off in Toronto on Thursday, with Carvalho's involvement uncertain.
The 48-year-old has been part of Martinez's staff since 2023, having previously been on Andre Villas-Boas' staff at Marseille.