Ramires disappointed by Confederations squad omission

I believe a lot of us were surprised when Brazil released their squad for the Confederations Cup, as alongwith Oscar and David Luiz, who were pretty much shoo-ins, Ramires too was expected to be picked to the Seleção midfield. Big Phil instead chose to go with Bayern's Luiz Gustavo, who eventually partnered Paulinho in the middle.

At the same time, I doubt many would've been particularly disappointed, as just about every player was coming off the back of a sapping season (prolonged further by a pair of pointless friendlies), so to see an important player saved from the rigour of further action was a bit of a relief. One man who didn't share that sentiment however, was the Brazilian himself.

"It bothered me [when I stopped getting called up) as I have goals, I worked the whole year to play the Confederations Cup and then I was not in the squad list, so it bothered me, but it's past now. I am looking ahead, return to Chelsea, do a good job and return to the national team."

"I supported Brazil a lot, I have always [said] the Confederations Cup trophy should stay in Brazil, the World Cup too. I do have a chance of returning, I will work. Not much can be said from outside, you have to answer on the pitch, you have to play and say nothing."

Anyway, the Brazilian, as we know all too well, is a tenacious little character, and rather than dwell on what happened, seems determined to win his place in the thoughts of his national team manager. The journey to that of course, begins with impressing and affixing himself firmly in the thoughts of his new club manager.

"Mourinho is a manager that needs no further comments, I will learn a lot from him. Which player does not dream of working with a manager like him? I am very motivated, I am back this week, I will have my first contact with him, I hope everything works out."

"Mourinho is an angry person, but if we do well what he asks, it will please him. I think it will be a much harder season than the last one, we will be stronger this season to fight for the title."

Good to know the players are already beginning to grasp the gravity of the challenge that awaits them when the season kicks off. A determined and hungry Ramires is nothing less than an astoundingly big asset to the side, so here's hoping his fervour rubs off on the others too soon. Fun times ahead!