Ricardo Fernandes

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Ricardo Fernandes
0Full Name	Ricardo João Veludo Oliveira Fernandes
0Date of Birth	28 March 1989
0Place of Birth	Leiria, Portugal
0Position	Midfielder
0Chelsea career	2005 - 2009
0Debut	n/a
0Games (goals)	n/a
0Other clubs	Sporting Lisbon

Ricardo Fernandes (born 28 March 1989 in Leiria, Portugal) is an attacking midfielder who formerly played for Chelsea's Academy team.

Contents 1 Pre-Chelsea career 2 Chelsea career 3 International 4 Career statistics 5 Career honours 6 Post Chelsea Career

Pre-Chelsea career

Ricardo joined Chelsea in 2005 from Sporting Lisbon in a deal which also brought Fabio Ferreira to the club.

Chelsea career

Ricardo's natural position as a central attacking midfielder wasn't suited to the English game. Add to that his diminutive nature in a position where he was up against bigger and stronger players, and it proved a struggle to succeed in this country. However, he started well enough, having a decent impact in the Under-18s, showing vision and craft as well as a set piece threat and a talent for scoring from long range.

Injury problems struck in his second season, minor niggles affecting his game throughout the first part of the season before major disaster struck midway through as he suffered a devastating thigh injury as the muscle came completely apart from the bone. It was to rule him out for over a year and set back his development massively.

Ironically, the time spent rehabilitating from his injury earned him a lot of respect and friendship amongst the senior Chelsea playing staff, who gave him the nickname ‘Ricky Tevez’ due to his resemblance to the Argentinian forward Carlos Tevez. He made his return in April 2008 in Reserve team football, and continued his run to match fitness in the Under-18s, although he was well off the pace and struggled to make an impact.

However, the injury took its toll on his all-round game and he left the club in March 2009, ahead of his contract expiring in June.

International

Ricardo has represented Portugal at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 levels.

Career statistics

Youth Team Football

Season	Club	Total
		Apps	Goals
2005-06	Chelsea	21	4
2006-07	Chelsea	18	1
2007-08	Chelsea	2	0

Career honours

None

Post Chelsea Career

Ricardo returned to his native Portugal and enjoyed spells with Marinhense, Pombal, Naval and most recently Penelense.