Gonçalo Ramos, who joined Milan from PSG this summer for €74 million, is the most expensive signing in the club’s history. The striker was a specific request from Ruben Amorim, and Gerry Cardinale moved quickly to make it happen.
Ramos gave an interview to the Rossoneri club’s official channels, and here is what he had to say:
On the fans’ affection:
“It was really special. I met the fans for the first time in Jakarta, where we have a lot of supporters. It was incredible because we were so far from home, but we could clearly feel their support. You realise just how huge Milan are as a club and how big their fanbase is. Our fans give us strength and support in every game. I love feeling that warmth during matches. Sometimes, it may seem like a small thing, but in important moments, it is fundamental.”
Before coming to Milanello this summer, did you spend some time with your family in Portugal?
“Every year I spend at least a week in the Algarve with my family because it is special. There are so many tourists and a bit of everything: good weather, good food, and peace and quiet if you can find the right places. For me, it is Olhão, with the coastline running alongside the town... It is called Ria Formosa, and it is one of the most beautiful places in the Algarve. Everyone should visit it because Portugal and the Algarve are special places.
“I love seeing the sea and being close to it because I was born and raised there. I don't really like swimming in the sea because I'm afraid (laughs). I love the beach and breathing in the sea air. You feel something special, something different.”
What is your favourite dish?
“In Portuguese, it is called ‘choco’, cuttlefish. You cook it in a pan and then eat it with potatoes and sauce. It is my favourite dish.”
Do you remember your first steps in football? Ramos said:
“I have played football for as long as I can remember, so I don't know exactly when I started. My first team was Olhanense, when I was four. I started playing with children who were older than me, they were five or six. I was the youngest because there wasn't a team for my age at the time, but I wanted to play. That is my first memory," as relayed via Milan News.
What kind of relationship do you have with your family?
“They always try to help me and teach me new things. I spend a lot of time with my grandfather. I don't know much about his career as a footballer. I know more about my father's career because they have told me about it. Even now, my grandfather helps me every week, after every game. He is always the first person to help me in any situation.
“He played football, so he understands better than most people what it means to play and to do certain things on the pitch. He is also the first person to tell me the truth and demand more from me. For example, if I score five goals in a game but then miss one chance, the first thing he tells me is: ‘You could have done better in that situation.’
“He is always straightforward with me and constantly pushes me to improve and reach the next level. My mother, on the other hand, is much more talkative than my father. My father is more reserved and quieter. My mother raises her voice because she can't handle the stress.”
On his younger brother:
“I have already experienced what he is going through now, so it is easy for me to tell him certain things and help him. We have spent a lot of time together. He has already experienced important moments alongside the best players in the world.
“I think that is the best way to prepare him to be ready if one day he reaches this level or even a higher one, so that he can become an exemplary professional and a good person.”
Are you someone who opens up to people?
“I don't really show it because the people who know me, my friends and my family, know what I'm like and what I like. Sometimes, when I do interviews like this, people start to get to know me better: what I like and what kind of person I am.”
On his wife, Ramos said:
“We have been living together for three years now. We got married recently, but it feels like we've been married for a very long time. She is very important because without my family, without my wife and my son, it would be very difficult.
“I just want to say that I love her very much and thank her for everything she does for me and for our family.”
How is your Italian?
“I can say simple things like ‘ciao’, ‘tomorrow’, ‘football’ and ‘striker’. I understand almost everything.”
How are you finding life in Milan?
“I prefer city life. Even when I was in Paris, we chose to live close to the city centre. I think it is better because when we are not training, I have things to do if I want to. It is also safer for my family.
“I have lived in two wonderful cities, but I would really love to live here because there are some similarities with Portugal. It is also a wonderful city, quieter than Paris, and that suits me better because I don't like chaos.”
What music do you listen to?
“A lot of Portuguese rap, but I like listening to a bit of everything. It depends on my mood. I also listen to a lot of Drake. Sometimes Brazilian music. It depends, and I listen to French music too. After three years in Paris, it is almost impossible not to listen to French music. So, a bit of everything.”
What are your passions outside football?
“The NBA. I love playing basketball, it is my favourite sport. I like watching the NBA and now Philadelphia... They have LeBron James now, it is LeBron James' new team. I also like other sports, such as Formula 1. My favourite driver is Hamilton and my favourite team is Ferrari.”
What do you like doing in your free time?
“Going to the cinema, but the popcorn has to be good. As for TV series, I like Peaky Blinders. Films? Planet of the Apes.”
Favourite dish?
“Carbonara is one of my favourites.”
Ramos, What is something few people know about you?
“When I was very young and I lost, nobody could talk to me because I took it really badly. When I win, I'm even worse. When I lose, I get extremely angry, but when I win, I literally go crazy (smiles).”
What is your connection with manager Amorim?
“I remember when I was at Benfica and we drew 2-2 against Sporting, and I scored two goals against Mr Amorim. I was very happy. I don't talk to him about it, only with members of the staff, Carlos and Vital.
“At the time, he already knew me because we were in the middle of the season and I had already played many games for Benfica. That helped him get to know me better.”
