Carvalho motivated to stay at Monaco

Ricardo Carvalho is hoping to remain with Monaco next season despite the arrival of defensive reinforcements at the Ligue 1 club.

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid centre-back Carvalho joined Monaco on a one-year deal in the close-season and has the option to extend his stay at the Stade Louis II by a further 12 months.

Monaco have bolstered their defensive options with the signing of left-back Elderson from Braga and the capture of Toulouse’s Aymen Abdennour on loan with a view to a permanent move.

But Carvalho is adamant that he is motivated to stay with Claudio Ranieri’s men and compete for his place in the side.

“(Staying) does not depend on me,” Carvalho told L’Equipe. “If the club recruit other players, they must show that they are stronger than Eric Abidal and me.

“I have the legs and I am motivated to stay.

“I’m fine here and I’d rather stay than go to Dubai or the United States.”