Former 35-year-old Chelsea midfielder, Ramires has taken to Instagram to make an emotional announcement of his retirement from professional football.
Ramires lifted the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup during a remarkable six-year spell at Chelsea, reflecting on a career that included 248 appearances for the Blues.
Along with a video of some memorable moments in his football career, Ramires wrote:
“After some reflection, I would like to inform you that I have officially decided to end my career as a professional football player. “
“Gratitude also to the Brazilian Football Team for giving me the pleasure of playing two World Cups, which was a dream come true. Also grateful to all the teammates, employees, coaches, and directors that I had the pleasure to work with.”
“To my family, mother, children, brothers and true friends, thank you so much for being by my side unconditionally during all these years, vibrating for my every achievement as if it were yours, which has always been my greatest strength and motivation.
“I will go in other directions, but with the same happiness and courage that I had since I was little, when, against all expectations, I left my city in the countryside of Rio de Janeiro to conquer the world. Thanks for everything, football!”
After six trophy-laden seasons with Chelsea, the Brazil international joined Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning in 2016 on a four-year deal, with a transfer fee of £25 million being widely reported.
