Ramires on JT’S Munich attire

The ex- Chelsea midfield terrier is now back in Brazil with Palmeiras, but still cherishes his west London glory days – not least that big night in Barcelona

How do you reflect on Chelsea now?

I’m very proud to say that I became a hero at Chelsea, because the club changed my life and I’m so grateful for that. I always worked hard to play well and achieve things at Stamford Bridge, but to be remembered, you must win some titles. Luckily, we did.

What are your best memories of the Champions League triumph in 2012?

Personally, I’d choose both semi- final legs against Barça. But against Napoli in the last 16, we lost 3- 1 away and then had to do the job back at home. I think that 4- 1 victory at the Bridge was a massive boost for us.

How did Roberto Di Matteo change the team after their difficult start?

He had a good understanding of the squad because, before that, he was Andre Villas- Boas’ assistant. Knowing how things worked at the club, he didn’t make many changes. He kept the good bits and players understood what he wanted easily; everyone just wanted to become Champions League winners. Di Matteo was very good at motivating players, while his assistant Steve Holland planned wisely around squad rotation and tactical variation.

How many times have you watched your Camp Nou chip against Barça?

[ Laughs] It’s difficult to speak about numbers! The first year afterwards, I watched it countless times. Today? Not often. [ FFT: Was that your career peak?] Absolutely. Until then, it had been good – but that goal took me to a new level. Even fans of other teams talk about it! It was vital because we avoided a bad half- time scenario – 2- 0, and a man down. I don’t believe we would have made it otherwise.

Your booking – only a minute before the goal – ruled you out of the final...

I didn’t think about it – and honestly, didn’t even realise. I only knew that I couldn’t play afterwards, when we got into the dressing room. Everyone was celebrating and someone said John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Raul Meireles and me were out of the final.

What was it like to watch that game in Munich from the stands?

I was really nervous! I kicked things, I screamed, I cursed. When Bayern scored, it was past the 80th minute and some fans started to take the piss. But when Didier Drogba scored, let’s say we had revenge. [ Laughs]

It was a happiness explosion! Terry stood up on the seat to celebrate. When it came to Drogba for the last

penalty, I was very confident – he was our best taker. We were over the moon at full- time. [ FFT: Did you have your kit on like Terry, just in case you won?] All of us changed post- match. The idea came from the club, as they wanted everyone ready for the team photo. You also scored in the 2012 FA Cup Final – what was that like?

I can remember joking with David Luiz that I would win the FA Cup for him [ Luiz was injured for the final] and he would win the Champions League for me! We won the FA Cup first, so then I put the pressure on him. [ Laughs] He was injured before the Bayern game, so the club’s staff had to work hard to get him ready for it. But he was ready, played well and scored his penalty. Frank Lampard is now Chelsea boss. How did he help you to settle?

Some players were already taking coaching courses, but I never saw him among them. That’s why I didn’t think he would become a manager; maybe he might take up a role as a director instead. But he was a natural leader; the way him, Terry and Ashley Cole welcomed newcomers made all of our lives easier. He used to be a reserved guy, but when he needed to speak with me about positioning, he would call [ Brazilian physio] Marcelo Ribeiro and have him translate! I’m glad to see so many youngsters who have come through at Chelsea under him. Why did you leave Chelsea to join Chinese side Jiangsu Suning in 2016?

I was not getting many minutes after Guus Hiddink replaced Jose Mourinho, and I was his fifth option. Sometimes, I wasn’t even in the matchday squad. I could have joined another European side, but the offer from Jiangsu Suning changed my life. In one year in China, I earned almost as much as in nearly six at Chelsea – and I could improve my relatives’ lives. Plus, I had already achieved a lot: I’d played at the World Cup, won the Champions League and many other trophies, so I thought that I could prioritise the financial side of things – I’d never done that before. You’re back in Brazil with Palmeiras now, having signed in June 2019...

I’ve been adapting after a long time abroad, but 2020 started differently. Last year I wasn’t really able to settle properly, but playing a full pre- season made a very big difference; my game depends a lot on my condition. I’m at a giant club now, where expectations are always huge.