Chelsea star Ramires has paid tribute to potential Club World Cup opponents Corinthians, insisting that his team-mates must respect their potential rivals.
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Ramires, 25, has played with several of the Corinthians side on international duty and believes that his colleagues should start to watch their games to gain awareness of the Paulista side’s impressive team-unit.
“Corinthians, as a squad, can excel,” Ramires told Lancenet! “Their players are experienced. It’s important to be careful and start watching the players there more. I already know them, I am always watching.”
Last month, Ramires caused controversy amongst Corinthians fans by stating that Chelsea had not begun to think about a possible clash with the Brazilian side.
The comments caused striker Emerson Sheik to respond in the Brazilian media, boasting that the Timão held no fear about facing Chelsea in December.
For now, though, Ramires must first help Brazil to victory over Japan on Tuesday, with the two sides meeting in Wroclaw as the South Americans continue to prepare for the Confederations Cup.
