Carvalho apologises for Mourinho outburst

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho celebrates after scoring against Norwich City in March 2005. Carvalho apologised for venting his frustration at missing out on Chelsea's Premiership opener against Wigan.

Portuguese international defender Ricardo Carvalho apologised for venting his frustration at missing out on Chelsea's Premiership opener against Wigan.

After being taken to task by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho the 27-year-old Carvalho said in a statment on the club's website that he "regretted" his outburst.

Carvalho was a key figure in Chelsea's Premiership title triumph last season.

But Mourinho opted for a centre-back pairing of John Terry and William Gallas for the 1-0 win over promoted Wigan on the opening day of the new season.

A furious Carvalho responded by telling Portuguese newspaper A Bola that it was "totally incomprehensible".

"I don't understand why Mourinho said I have to wait for another opportunity to play this season," complained Carvalho.

Mourinho said at Friday's press conference to unveil new signing Michael Essien that he had taken Carvalho to task over his remarks and stressed the importance of the players sticking together as a group.

"I had a meeting with him on Saturday and we spoke again yesterday," said Mourinho. "For me, that's enough. If he understands me now it will be easier for him."

Carvalho later said on Chelsea's website: "The recent comments made by me over my non-selection for the Wigan and Arsenal matches came from my frustration at not playing and I regret making them.

"They were a mistake and I have apologised to the group for saying the things I did. I want to play for Chelsea and be part of the group.

"Like all footballers I want to play every game and I am disappointed when I do not do so. I am aware of, and accept fully, my responsibilities to the team and the group and understand what this means at a club like Chelsea where there are good players in each position and competition for places.

"Now all I want to do is train hard and fight for my place."