Ramos discusses ‘incredible’ Milan fans, relationship with Amorim and life away from the pitch

Goncalo Ramos has shared a bit of insight into how his new life in Italy is going, and how he is finding things at AC Milan.

Ramos arrived this summer from PSG for €74m, and is the most expensive signing in the club’s history. The centre-forward is believed to have been a specific request from Ruben Amorim, which owner Gerry Cardinale fulfilled fairly quickly.

The Portuguese has immediately demonstrated great dedication and commitment. To date, he has scored one goal, provided one assist, and has consistently played for the team in all phases of the game. As a symbol of this, he has covered a team-high 57km in Serie A so far.

Ramos on Milan fans, Amorim, upbringing and more

His attacking numbers are expected to improve in terms of output, but so far, it’s his attitude that deserves special mention, especially given how it fits what Amorim asks for from his No.9. The striker gave an interview to Milan’s official channels, and MilanNews transcribed his comments.

Have you felt the affection from the fans from day one?

“It was really nice. I met the fans for the first time in Jakarta, where we have so many supporters. It was incredible because we were so far from home, but we could clearly feel their support. You understand how huge AC Milan is as a club and as a fan base.

“Our fans give us strength and support in every game. I love feeling this warmth during the game. Sometimes it may seem like a small help, but in the important moments, it’s crucial.”

Before coming to Milanello this summer, did you spend time with your family in Portugal?

“Every year I spend at least a week in the Algarve with my family, because it’s special. There are so many tourists and it has a bit of everything: great weather, good food, and tranquility if you find the right places.

“For me, it’s Olhão, with the coastline that runs alongside the city… It’s called Rio Formosa, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in the Algarve. Everyone says they should visit it because Portugal and the Algarve are special places.

“I love seeing the sea and being close to the sea because I was born and raised there. I don’t really like swimming in the sea because I’m scared (laughs). I love the beach and breathing in the sea air. You feel something special, different.”

Your favourite dish?

“In Portuguese, it’s called ‘choco’, which means cuttlefish. You cook it in a pan and then eat it with potatoes and some sauce. It’s my favourite dish.”

Do you remember your first steps in the world of football?

“I’ve been playing soccer forever, I don’t know exactly when. My first team was Olhanense, when I was 4 years old. I started playing with kids older than me; they were 5 or 6 years old. I was the youngest because there wasn’t a team for my age at the time, but I wanted to play. That’s my first memory.”

What is your relationship with your family like?

“They always try to help me and teach me new things. I spend a lot of time with my grandfather. I don’t know much about his football career, but I know more about my father’s because they told me about it. Even now, he helps me every week, in every game.

“He’s always the first to help me at all times. He used to play, so he knows more than most people what it means to play and do certain things on the pitch. He’s also the first to tell me the truth and demand more from me.

“For example, if I score five goals in a game but then miss one, the first thing he says is, ‘You could have done better that time.’ He’s always honest with me and always pushes me to improve and raise my level.

“My mother, on the other hand, is much more talkative than my father. My father is more reserved, quieter. And my mother raises her voice because she can’t handle the stress.”

And your younger brother?

“I’ve already been through what he’s going through now, so it’s easy to tell him certain things and help him. We’ve spent a lot of time together. He’s already experienced important moments alongside the best players in the world.

“I think it’s the best way to prepare him to be ready if he ever reaches this level or even higher, so he can become an exemplary professional and a good person.”

Are you someone who opens up to people?

“I don’t show it much because the people who know me – my friends, my family – know who I am, what I like. And sometimes, when I do interviews like this, people start to know me better, what I like, what kind of person I am.”

And your wife…

“We’ve been living together for three years now. We got married recently, but it feels like we’ve been married for a long time. It’s very important, because without my family, without my wife and son, it would be very difficult.

“I just want to say that I love her so much and I thank her for everything she does for me and our family.”

How are you doing with Italian?

“I can say simple things like ‘hello’, ‘tomorrow’, ‘football’, ‘striker’. I understand almost everything.”

How are you finding Milan?

“I prefer city life. Even when I was in Paris, we chose to live near the centre. I think it’s better because when we’re not training, I have something to do if I want. It’s also safer for my family.

“I’ve lived in two wonderful cities, but I’d love to live here because it has some similarities with Portugal. Plus, it’s a wonderful city, quieter than Paris, and that’s better for me because I don’t like chaos.”

What music do you listen to?

“A lot of Portuguese rap, but I like to listen to a bit of everything. It depends on my mood. I also listen to a lot of Drake. Sometimes Brazilian music. It depends, even French music. After three years in Paris, it’s almost impossible not to listen to French music. So a bit of everything.”

What passions do you have besides football?

“The NBA. I love playing basketball, it’s my favourite sport. I like watching the NBA and now Philadelphia… They have LeBron James now, it’s LeBron James’ new team. I also like other sports like Formula 1. My favourite driver is Hamilton and my favourite team is Ferrari.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“Going to the movies, but the popcorn has to be good. My favourite series is Peaky Blinders. Movie? Planet of the Apes.”

Favourite dish?

“One of my favourites is carbonara.”

Something that few people know about you?

“When I was very young and I lost, no one could talk to me because I took it so badly. When I win, I’m even worse. When I lose, I get incredibly angry, but when I win, I literally go crazy (smiles).”

What ties you to Mister Amorim?

“I remember when I was at Benfica and we drew 2-2 against Sporting, and I scored two goals against coach Amorim. I was very happy. I don’t talk about it with him, only with the staff members Carlos and Vital.

“He already knew me because we were in the middle of the season and I had already played a lot of games for Benfica. This helped him get to know me better.”