Ramos discusses why he joined Milan, price tag pressure and desire to ‘win every competition’
Goncalo Ramos has insisted that he is not feeling the pressure of being the most expensive signing in AC Milan’s history.
Tomorrow night, Ramos will face off against his former club Benfica and he will once again lead the attack for Ruben Amorim, at least as per reports. He will hope to be more involved than his last two starts, which yielded just one shot against Juventus and Lazio.
The Portuguese striker arrived at Milanello this summer with extremely high expectations, given that he is the most expensive signing in the club’s history, with the club having paid over €70m to sign him from PSG.
Interviewed by UEFA TV on the eve of the game, the 25-year-old commented on what made him choose Milan, what he learned at PSG, the pressure surrounding him and more.
You’ve just started a new adventure at AC Milan. What convinced you to choose this club? Its history, your team-mates, the project, or the coach’s approach?
“AC Milan’s size was certainly an important factor, but the coach’s football philosophy and the club’s vision for the coming years are also very important to me. I felt that Milan believed in me and wanted me to be part of the team: it was one of the main reasons I chose to come here.”
You mentioned the coach, who, like you, is Portuguese. What was it like working with him in these first days and months?
Does wearing AC Milan’s number 9, a shirt with a legendary history, carry a particular responsibility?
“It’s a heavy shirt to wear, but above all, I’m proud to have received it. The fact that the club has entrusted me with such a legendary jersey demonstrates the trust they have in me. It’s a huge responsibility, which I face with pride and determination to best represent AC Milan.”
Milan have produced some of the greatest strikers in history. Did you watch players like Inzaghi, Shevchenko, and Crespo as a child? And who were your main role models?
“I know all those great strikers, but the one I followed the most throughout his career and who I consider one of my greatest inspirations is Zlatan Ibrahimović.
“I’ve always admired him and tried to replicate some of his moves on the pitch. He’s a role model for me, and the fact that he played for AC Milan makes him even more special.”
You’re also known for scoring in crucial moments, such as the first penalty in the Champions League final. Is mental strength one of your strongest qualities?
“Yes, I think so. Always being prepared, believing in my work and my abilities is one of my qualities. It’s happened so many times that it can’t just be luck.
“I think it’s something that defines me and that can be expected of me, a strong mentality and the ability to never give up. I hope I can help the team by scoring more important goals, perhaps even in the last minute.”
In two years at Paris Saint-Germain, you won numerous trophies. What’s the most important lesson you learned there that you want to bring to Milan?
“I’ve learned a lot, both on and off the pitch, from my coach Luis Enrique and some of the world’s best players who play for Paris. What I can bring here is part of what I learned with them, trying to instil the same winning spirit and help the team with this mentality.
“We want to win; we’re not just here to play: we want to win every competition. I’m here to bring this hunger and try to instil the winning mentality I feel I possess.”
Speaking of great players, you met Luka Modrić at AC Milan. What was your first impression of playing with him?
“It’s hard to describe him in words: he’s a truly special player. After training and playing with him, I told everyone he’s even more special than I thought. His quality is incredible, and his entire career shows how much he means to football.
“It’s an honour to have him on the team and in the locker room: we learn from him every day and can enjoy everything he brings to the team.”
What are your ambitions for the season, both in the league and the UEFA Europa League? AC Milan has a strong European DNA: how important is it for you to be a key player in Europe too?
“I think we have the quality to win every competition we enter, but we have to proceed step by step, focusing on each match without thinking too far ahead.
“We’ll build our own path, gain confidence, and continue to work hard: it can be a very positive season, and we can finish with a smile on our faces.”
