AS Monaco release Ricardo Carvalho on a free transfer

AS Monaco have announced that they have released former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho on a free transfer.

The French club's vice-president Vadim Vasilyev described the Portugal international as "indispensable" to the team in recent seasons, but confirmed that they will not be renewing his contract.

"We discussed it and we have decided not to renew his contract. But I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him for what he has done for AS Monaco," Vasilyev said in a statement.

"He brought a lot. He was indispensable in our defence. But the moment had come to make the change."

Carvalho made 43 appearances for Monaco last term as the team secured a third-place finish in the league, before helping Portugal win Euro 2016.