Bring it on, says Chelsea midfielder Ramires

The 23-year-old, who cost ufffd17million from Benfica, is likely to start on the Stamford Bridge bench with Chelsea having scored six goals in both of their first two league games this season.


But he cannot wait to begin his Premier League career and is under no illusions about the physical and mental toughness required in the world's most competitive league.

Looking forward
Ramires, talking through an interpreter at Chelsea's training ground, said: "I understand the challenge ahead, both in the Premier League and the Champions League and I'm ready for that. If I hadn't been ready, I wouldn't have signed for a club like this.

"I know what lies ahead and I'm looking forward to taking on that challenge."

Ramires has been handed the number seven shirt most recently worn by Andriy Shevchenko, the Russian who came to Stamford Bridge with a big reputation but turned into a ufffd30million flop.

But the Brazilian, who was part of Brazil's squad in the World Cup, vowed to shed buckets of sweat in the Chelsea cause to ensure he would be a success. And he is realistic about getting a regular place in a side which includes midfielders such as Michael Essien and Frank Lampard.

"I hope I can give my best and do well," he said. "I'll have to work hard. When I signed my contract, I didn't have a clause in there saying I'd be starting every week.

"I'll just have to work hard, be patient and see what happens as I try to become a first-team player."

Ramires currently speaks no English but he does not see that as a problem.

He said: "On the pitch, I can communicate with the players no problem. With the Portuguese players, and with Alex here, they've all been helping me to adjust and settle in.

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