Ramires hoping for lengthy stay at Chelsea
By Paulo Freitas
Ramires is hoping to spend 'much longer' at Chelsea after passing the 200 appearance mark for the club.
The all-action midfielder was brought to Stamford Bridge from Benfica in the summer of 2010.
He has been a mainstay in the side throughout his four years in England, which have seen him work under a succession of managers.
Jose Mourinho is the man currently making the most of the Brazil international’s talents, with a leading role being played in the pursuit of the Premier League title.
Ramires is tied to a five-year contract penned in 2012 and intends to honour that agreement despite regular rounds of rumours suggesting that he is of interest to other European heavyweights – such as Real Madrid.
He told Gazeta Esportva: “I am very proud to have completed these 200 games for Chelsea.
“It’s a huge honour to be one of the players in the current squad that have worn the shirt the most times.
“I hope to be at Chelsea for much longer and to achieve other important milestones in the future of the club.”
Ramires, who was key figure in Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League success in 2012 despite missing the final through suspension, added on his time in west London: “If I had to pick the best moments of what I have done in a Chelsea shirt, to score against Barcelona and to win the Champions League title would be highlights.
“Those are memories immortalised in the history of the club and in my memory.
“As I said, I hope to continue at Chelsea for a long time and to accumulate more good things to tell my children and grandchildren.”