Ramires is looking forward to a testing Premier League campaign as he prepares to make his Chelsea debut.
New Blues signing keen to make first Premier League bow
Midfielder Ramires is looking forward to a testing Premier League campaign as he prepares to make his first Chelsea appearance against Stoke this weekend.
The 23-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge from Benfica for £17million earlier this month, with Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti branding him the 'signing of the summer'.
The Brazilian is likely to be named on the bench for Saturday's clash, with Chelsea having scored six goals in both of their opening two league games this term.
Ramires says he is desperate to get his Premier League career underway, and insists he has no doubt over the physical and mental toughness that will be expected of him this season.
Challenge
"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," said Ramires, speaking through an interpreter at Chelsea's training ground.
"I know what lies ahead and I'm looking forward to taking on that challenge."
Ramires, who was included in the Brazil squad at the World Cup this summer, is realistic over his chances of earning a regular place in a side which includes midfielders such as Frank Lampard and Michael Essien.
"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."
Despite currently speaking no English, Ramires is confident he can work well alongside the rest of Ancelotti's squad.
Communicate
"On the pitch, I can communicate with the players no problem," he added.
"With the Portuguese players, and with Alex here, they've all been helping me to adjust and settle in.
"I'll try to learn English and I'll dedicate myself to learning the language as soon as I can, but all the players, even those who don't speak Portuguese, have been really supportive. I feel really welcome here.
"As soon as the offer came in and the doors opened to join a club as big as this, I jumped at the chance. I got some good advice from other players to come here."
