Ramires primed for Chelsea debut against Stoke

Brazilian midfielder Ramires is set to make his debut for Chelsea against Stoke on Saturday and insists he is ready for the physical challenge of the Premier League. The 23-year-old, who cost £17million from Benfica, is likely to start on the Stamford Bridge bench with Chelsea having scored six goals in both of their first two league games this season. But he cannot wait to begin his Premier League career and is under no illusions about the physical and mental toughness required in the world's most competitive league. New boy: Carlo Ancelotti (right) shows of the 'signing of the summer' Ramires, talking through an interpreter at Chelsea's training ground, said: 'I understand the challenge ahead, both in the Premier League and the Champions League and I'm ready for that. If I hadn't been ready, I wouldn't have signed for a club like this. 'I know what lies ahead and I'm looking forward to taking on that challenge.' Ramires has been handed the number seven shirt most recently worn by Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukranian who came to Stamford Bridge with a big reputation but turned into a £30million flop. International class: Ramires was part of Brazil's World Cup squad But the Brazilian, who was part of his country's squad at the World Cup, vowed to shed buckets of sweat in the Chelsea cause to ensure he would be a success. And he is realistic about getting a regular place in a side which includes midfielders such as Michael Essien and Frank Lampard. 'I hope I can give my best and do well,' he said. 'I'll have to work hard. When I signed my contract, I didn't have a clause in there saying I'd be starting every week. 'I'll just have to work hard, be patient and see what happens as I try to become a first-team player.' Ramires currently speaks no English but he does not see that as a problem. He said: 'On the pitch, I can communicate with the players no problem. With the Portuguese players, and with Alex here, they've all been helping me to adjust and settle in. 'I'll try to learn English and I'll dedicate myself to learning the language as soon as I can, but all the players, even those who don't speak Portuguese, have been really supportive. I feel really welcome here. 'As soon as the offer came in and the doors opened to join a club as big as this, I jumped at the chance. I got some good advice from other players to come here.' Illustrious: Ramires says the stars at Chelsea have already helped him fit in He admits he knows nothing about Stoke, who conceded seven goals last season at Stamford Bridge, and his most pressing challenge could be completing the traditional Chelsea initiation which is for the new signing to perform a song in front of the other players. 'I was told about this tradition today,' he said. 'I'll be able to sing ahead of the next away game, so I've got over a week to prepare. I'll have a think about what I'll be singing.' 'We Are The Champions' might be a popular choice for a man who Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted is the 'signing of the summer' and the future of both Chelsea and his football-mad country. That is a lot to live up to even for a boy from Brazil. The journey is likely to begin against Stoke. Ancelotti has few problems ahead of the game apart from the back injury which makes Branislav Ivanovic a doubt.   Mario who? Ramires is the star signing of summer, insists Chelsea boss CarloRamires is the new Essien! Fellow Brazilian Alex hails Chelsea new boyFlorent Malouda sets sights on Champions League triumph with ChelseaDidier Drogba off to flying start, but Carlo Ancelotti keep his feet on the groundCHELSEA FC