Carvalho urged toward Portugal return

Joao Pinto has urged Ricardo Carvalho to consider making a Portugal return as they prepare for their Euro 2012 playoff.

Real Madrid defender Carvalho retired from international football after Portugal manager Paulo Bento left him out of his squad for September’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Cyprus.

Carvalho, 33, left the training camp after a falling out with the coach over his non-selection.

Chelsea right-back Jose Bosingwa has also said he will not return to play for Portugal as long as Bento remains at the helm.

But former international Pinto, who represented Portugal 81 times, said Carvalho should reconsider as Bento’s men prepare for their two-legged playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Ricardo had an unfortunate moment. It’s something that happened, and it’s been blown out of proportion,” Pinto said on Wednesday.

“It is what it is, an unfortunate situation. He and the federation need to sit down and talk to sort things out. I would like him to come back and I think Portugal need him.”

Portugal will need to contain Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko without two of their best defenders in Saturday’s first leg in Zenica, and the return clash on Tuesday.