Ramires settling in well at Chelsea
Chelsea's new signing, Ramires, has said he is adapting well to English culture and the football played in the Premier League after spending over two months in London.
Ramires, who left Brazilian side Cruzeiro for Portuguese champions Benfica last summer, made 26 league appearances for the Lisbon team before making the switch to Chelsea in August.
The midfielder has made eight appearances for Carlo Ancelotti this season, two as a substitute.
Against Arsenal on 3 October, Ramires won possession and sent Ashley Cole through on the left wing, whose cross was met by Didier Drogba for Chelsea's first goal in the 2–0 victory.
"I'd never played in a country with a different language before, which makes things a bit trickier, but I'm taking English classes and hope to get a handle on it soon," the 23-year-old said about life in England so far.
"There are times when I'll have an off day or not perform as well as expected, just like any other player, but that won't have anything to do with how I've adapted or not."
Physical presence suited to the Premier League
At Benfica, Ramires earned a reputation as a skilled midfielder with an eye for goal, but the Brazilian is also known for his physical dedication in midfield, an attribute he believes is well suited to the English game.
"As well as being a player who tries to start moves when I have the ball, I've always liked a tackle, so that's why I'm not finding it very hard to adapt. I'm already getting used to the speed of the game over here."
Because of his tackling ability, Ramires has been played in the centre of midfield in the absence of the injured Frank Lampard. The midfielder, who plays a similar position for Mano Menezes' national team, said he is happy to play wherever his manager sees
fit.
"It's not hard for me to play anywhere in midfield. I'll play whichever way Ancelotti thinks works best for the team at any given time."
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