Ramires dreams of World Cup glory with Brazil
Brazilian midfielder Ramires has expressed his desire to win the World Cup with his country in 2014.
By FOX SPORTS Staff
Ramires was one of the few players to come out with any credit in Brazil's poor 2010 World Cup campaign which saw them eliminated from the tournament at the group stages.
However, a dip in form saw him omitted from the squad for a year by previous coach Mano Menezes, and he was only just recalled into the team by current boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Nonetheless, Ramires admits being dropped from the Brazil squad has made him treasure his spot in the team, and with the likes of Neymar, Oscar and Hulk in the team, the 25-year-old midfielder is confident the Canarinho can achieve success in the 2014 World Cup.
"I'm working very hard towards featuring in the World Cup," Ramires was quoted as saying by the official Chelsea website.
"It is my aim, my goal, to be involved in a World Cup at home in Brazil. Not just to take part, but to win it. It is a great responsibility to be playing at home.
"Brazil is a huge country with a great squad, and if we win this World Cup at home we will be heroes forever.
"But if we lose, I don't even know what will happen. It's a great responsibility. There is always pressure and expectation, but hopefully we will do well and I will take part.
"I think the pressure of playing for Brazil is the same as it is for Chelsea. In both situations there are lots of expectations on you.
"You are expected to do well and win games. Maybe for Brazil it is greater because there is a whole country behind you, wanting you to do well. That's the way it is."
Ramires also revealed his excitement at being given the chance to represent Brazil at Stamford Bridge when they take on Russia in an international friendly.
"Brazil coming to play in London is exciting but they have never played here in our home at Stamford Bridge so I am really looking forward to this moment," Ramires said.
"We haven't spoken yet with the other players about it, but when we meet up and play against Italy in Geneva, we will talk about Stamford Bridge and tell them what there is to know.
"I love that Stamford Bridge pitch. It's where all the important things happen for what we are here to do. Because it is our home and we know the supporters I hope David Luiz, Oscar and I can help the team even more, we know our way around, we know the surroundings and I hope it can be a great game. And that Brazil wins."
Ramires has featured 34 times for Brazil since his debut in 2009.