Ramires: a talent for the future

Written by Nicholas Savage , 12.06.2009

Ramires is only twenty two years old and is already considered by the Brazilian specialist commentators as one of the most promising prospects for Brazil. The defensive midfielder player currently at Cruzeiro looks the complete player with tremendous speed, outstanding and hard marking. He has just completed a move to Benfica. For the Seleção, he has a got chance to make it to theWorld cup 2010. Keep an eye out for him in the Confederation Cup.

Sambafoot - Two years ago you played at Joinville, in Santa Catarina state. Today, you are called up for the Seleção to participate to an international competition. How do you explain your rapid progress?

Ramires - The work rate, I think that it is the work, the fact of being able to work without pressure was very important for me since my arrival at Cruzeiro. The support of the fans, the recognition of my efforts are also very important. I am going to continue to work so that I can continue to do good things here.

What is missing for you to confirm your place in the Seleção and compete for the World cup 2010?

What I miss, it is to incorporate myself into the Seleção and to realize a good work. Now I am going to join the group, to get acquainted with my team-mates and to show my efforts and gain the trust of Dunga and win my place in the World cup squad.

What are your skills to take the place as midfielder of the Seleção?

My will, my fighting spirit, my determination. I think all are the minimum requirements when wearing the shirt of the Brazil, it is the shirt of the Seleção, I think that it is important and belligerent to be motivated to win my place.

Could you describe your style of game for the European people who still not knowing you?

For those who do not know me, I run with the ball, I like helping marking and in the pressing. I often rise to outposts and I am capable of finalizing the actions and sometimes even of scoring. My key points are my will, my fighting spirit on the ground and my fast movement of the ball from the defence to the attack.

You are going to join Benfica in some weeks. Why this choice? Is it not a risk with regard to your participation for the next World Cup?

No, it is the most serious and official proposition that I received. We sit, we conversed, I did not receive other offers. I found Benfica very serious, they adapted themselves to my requirements and to those of the club. I really want to join the club and to realize a good work.

What do you know about the Portuguese championship? What vision do you have about Europe and its football?

To be honest, I know little about the Portuguese championship. It is difficult to follow the championship from here, from time to time we can see games but I know little about Portuguese football. I go over there with the intention to finding a good championship, to play a beautiful season so that I can afterward join another big European club.

What were your idols when you began to play football? What do you think about Kléberson’s come-back in the Seleção?

They were important for me. I followed a lot Vieira, Ronaldinho Gaucho who is the idol of all. I admire his football a lot, I like very much Kaká also, there are very good players in Europe.

I think that Kleberson’s return to his best level, he had an excellent 2002 World Cup. In this time, I was only a fan, I played in no professional club. I followed the games from my home and the success of Brazil. Kleberson’s excellent World cup was thanks to his efforts and to his hard work rate. He deserves everything. He fought a lot to return in Seleção and I am very happy for him.

>> Ramires technical card