Sven signs England nemesis

Leicester have moved to sign former Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old has been training with the Foxes for the past week, and has impressed manager Sven-Goran Eriksson sufficiently to earn a contract at the Walkers Stadium.

Eriksson was delighted to add the experienced international to his squad, saying: “I am delighted that we’ve been able to secure Ricardo on a permanent contract. He has impressed during his time at the club and brings extra competition to our goalkeeping department.

“Ricardo is an excellent shot-stopper with agility and he plays with great confidence. He has played at the highest level and will be a great addition to our squad.

“Plus, he owes me after 2004 and 2006, so I’m sure he will be keen to do well for us,” the Swede joked.

Ricardo was famously involved in ending England’s hopes at both the 2004 European Championships and the subsequent 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The Portuguese stopper saved England’s final penalty – from Foxes striker Darius Vassell – before completing the Three Lions’ misery by scoring the final spot-kick to send Eriksson’s side out.

It was a similar scenario in the 2006 World Cup, when Ricardo once again proved to be England’s nemesis with saves from Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

Ricardo’s exploits saw him create history, as he became the first goalkeeper to save three spot-kicks in a World Cup shoot-out.

The 34-year-old had found himself most recently at Real Betis, before his contract was concluded by mutual consent.

He will not be eligible for City’s trip to Sheffield United on Tuesday night.