'If I leave, Chelsea would have to make the decision' - Ramires flattered by Real Madrid interest but does not want to leave Blues

 
GETTY
12 November 2013

Chelsea midfielder Ramires says he is not seeking a move away from Stamford Bridge amidst speculation that he could be offered to Real Madrid in a possible swap deal with Sami Khedira.

The Brazil international is being targeted by the Spanish giants as a possible replacement for the German midfielder, who has expressed a desire to quit the Bernabeu.

Chelsea are one of the clubs interested in signing Khedira should Madrid agree to sell and there has been speculation over a possible swap.

But Ramires, who signed a new five-year contract to keep him at Chelsea until 2017 last year, has become a key part of the team and is enjoying playing under new manager Jose Mourinho.

He said: “I see the interest of Real Madrid as a recognition of my good work in Europe, but I'm under contract with Chelsea and it would be unethical for me to comment (on their interest). For the moment, these are only rumours.

“I am very happy here. I am respected and part of the club's history. If I leave, Chelsea would have to make the decision. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I have realised my dream here.

“My goals are never personal, but collective. I want to continue to play football and help my team win titles. Collective success makes me stronger individually.

“Mourinho is a very decent coach. He is doing an excellent job. He manages to motivate his players and offers a chance to everyone. I have evolved since his arrival. I hope to continue to help and doing what he expects of me.”

The 26-year-old, who has come under heavy criticism for the way he won a last minute penalty for Chelsea on Saturday which helped them to secure a 2-2 draw against West Brom, is convinced they can win the title this season.

Chelsea trail Arsenal by just four points despite not finding their best form yet and Ramires added: “The Premier League is one of the toughest competitions in the world, but we have the means to win.

“Our team is very strong and we can win it all this season. Winning the Champions League (with Chelsea in 2012) was one of the greatest moments of my career. I think the only title that can compete with that is the World Cup in Brazil.”

Meanwhile, it is understood Belgian club Anderlecht have been ruled out of the running to sign midfielder Kevin de Bruyne on loan in January.

Anderlecht confirmed they were interested in the 22-year-old, who has started just two games in as many months under Mourinho, at the weekend.

As Standard Sport revealed, De Bruyne is waiting until December before making a decision on his future, but if he does leave as expected, he won’t be returning to Belgium.

It is believed his former club Genk, who sold him to Chelsea for £7m in January 2012, stipulated that he wouldn’t ever play for any of their rivals on loan as part of the transfer.

Besides, if Chelsea allow him to leave, they want him to play in a stronger competition and the Bundesliga is his most likely destination, with Wolfsburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke all in the hunt.

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