Ramires admits learning of Real Madrid’s interest in him is massaging his ego, but he insists he has no plans to leave Chelsea anytime soon.
The Brazil international has been at Stamford Bridge since the summer of 2010, when Carlo Ancelotti paid £18.2million to lure him from Benfica. Ramires has gone on to quietly become one of the Blues most important players, having made over 160 appearances in all competitions during the three years he has thus far been in England.
His performances are such that it has been widely reported that Ancelotti, now at Real Madrid, is keen to sign him either in the winter or, more likely, at the end of the season. And although the 26-year-old admits such speculation is flattering, he has no intention of leaving London where he remains under contract until the summer of 2017.
“It’s good for the ego (to be linked with Real Madrid),” he told Globo Esporte. “It’s a sign that people somewhere like your work. I am very happy to know that, but neither Chelsea nor my agent have told me anything. I am under contract until 2017 and I don’t want to leave. I will only leave if the club want me to. I feel have adapted well.”
Ramires helped Roberto Di Matteo’s side win the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in 2012, although he was suspended for the final of the latter against Bayern Munich. Last season, he played a key role as the Blues, under the guidance of Rafael Benitez, won the UEFA Europa League. And this term, now with Jose Mourinho in charge, he has started every Premier League match and scored twice from two Champions League games.
