Shanghai SIPG sign former Real Madrid defender

Shanghai, Feb 16: Chinese Super League (CSL) outfit Shanghai SIPG have confirmed the signing of former Real Madrid and Chelsea central defender Ricardo Carvalho.

“We have completed the signing since we came back from the winter training in Doha. Why we announced so late is because the registration was unsettled and we had to think carefully about the use of the veteran under the new policy of foreign players,” SIPG said on Wednesday, reports Xinhua news agency. According to the Chinese Football Association (CFA), CSL teams are still allowed to have a maximum of five foreign players, but only three of them can be fielded in one game.

The 38-year-old hardman will join Brazilian attacking trio Oscar, Hulk and Elkeson and Uzbekistan tiol team captain Ahmedov to play for the ambitious CSL powerhouse.

“If any of other four foreign players was injured, Carvalho will get a chance. As one of the top defenders in the world, his experience is important to help young players,” SIPG President Chen Xuyuan said. IANS