Ramires relishing leading role at Stamford Bridge

Ramires has admitted that he is hoping to act as an inspiration to the younger players in Chelsea's ranks.

The Brazilian midfielder broke into the Blues' first team five years ago when he made the move from Portuguese giants Benfica.

Having now committed his future to the West London outfit until 2019, Ramires is looking to take on a more hands-on role in order to help the latest crop of senior hopefuls.

"I think it's a nice responsibility," he told the club's official website. "In football, things change quickly. When I first arrived here I was one of the younger players and I looked up to the older, more experienced guys for advice.

"These days I am one of the more senior players in the squad, mainly down to the time I've been here and not my age. You have to remember how you were when you started out in the game, so when you see a young player and notice things they do, you can always talk to them and lead them.

"It's not just about during their time here, if somebody leaves the club and you've helped them they will go with a good feeling about you. It's always good to help others and remember where you came from, it's something I enjoy.'

Ramires found the net for the third time this season in Chelsea's 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.