Barred by José Francisco Molina, he only managed one first-team appearance which came during the 1996–97 season, in a 3–2 away win against Real Zaragoza on 2 June 1997.

He marked his only appearance in the latter competition, against Blackburn Rovers on 19 April 2003, by conceding a penalty with his first touch after he fouled Andy Cole, but saved David Dunn's attempt in an eventual 3–1 victory.

"[7] After helping Racing narrowly avoid top-flight relegation, Ricardo returned to Manchester United and proclaimed his ambition to take the number one jersey from Barthez.

[8] Subsequently, he signed for CA Osasuna on a two-year deal,[9] quickly becoming the Navarrese side's first-choice and totalling over 100 league appearances in his first three seasons; he also helped them reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in his second year by contributing 12 matches,[10] but lost his job midway through 2008–09 to newly signed Roberto.

[13][14] Ricardo came out of retirement in January 2013 to rejoin Osasuna as an emergency signing, after backup goalkeeper Asier Riesgo suffered a foot injury.

Near the end of October, a player licence was sought out for him as both the second and third goalkeeper were unavailable due to injury;[19] over three years and starting in July 2014, he worked in the same capacity with the Japan national team[20] and Arsenal's academy in that Asian country.

[26] In a testimonial match for Ferenc Puskás the following summer, during a 1–1 draw against Hungary in Budapest, he received his second and final cap; in both cases, he came on as a substitute for Iker Casillas.