Ramires accepts his new challenge

11 April 2012

Ramires today admitted he faces a fight to get into Chelsea's first team following their impressive start to the season.

The Brazil midfielder, who joined from Benfica for £18.2million this summer, is in the squad to face Stoke at home tomorrow but may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Chelsea have scored 12 goals in their first two games, with the midfield trio of John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien in fine form and Ramires said: "I have to work hard to get in the team. When I signed my contract there was no clause to say I'd be in the starting line-up. I will work hard to create a space to be part of the first team.

"I understand the nature of the challenge of the Premier League and Champions League. I'm prepared, if not I wouldn't have signed for such a big club."

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