Who needs Branislav Ivanovic when you've got Ricardo Carvalho?

We heard yesterday that Monaco were looking to add experience to their defense, in the form of Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic. Today they've added a Chelsea legend to their squad, but it's not the Serbian bear. Instead, they've agreed to terms with the 35-year old Ricardo Carvalho, who left Chelsea to join Real Madrid three seasons ago.

Carvalho had the following to say about joining the Ligue 1 side:

"I am delighted to join Monaco and participate in this new adventure. It is a new challenge for me."

Those of you old enough to remember Jose Mourinho's first go-around with the club* will certainly remember our defense as being nearly impenetrable. The club's captain (John Terry) was certainly in his prime and playing at a world class level at that point, but he was still probably the second best center back on his own team. Carvalho was just that good, and would certainly be included in any discussion to determine the best center back of his generation.

*I love being able to write that, because we're about to have a second

I'm sure every Chelsea fan out there will be wishing Carvalho the best of luck in France, and hoping he sees plenty of time on the pitch. He's always been a favorite of mine, and his presence alone will be enough to get me to tune in to Monaco games.