Ramires ready to prove his worth at Palmeiras

SAO PAULO - Former Jiangsu Suning midfielder Ramires has declared himself "fully fit again" after enduring an injury-ravaged first season with Palmeiras last year.

Ramires said he is over the adductor problem that limited him to just six matches for the Brazilian Serie A club following his June transfer from Jiangsu Suning.

"It was not a very good year for me, but I'm starting 2020 by already training normally with the team," the 32-year-old former Chelsea player told reporters on Tuesday.

"I don't feel any effects of the injury and I'm fully fit again. I put pressure on myself every day to be able to play well again, and everything will start with the pre-season."

Ramires lavished praise on veteran manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo, who joined Palmeiras in December from Vasco da Gama.

"The experience he has is impressive and every time he says something I listen because I know I can learn a lot," Ramires said of the former Real Madrid and Brazil boss.

Palmeiras will play their first match of the year on January 15 against Colombia's Atletico Nacional in the Florida Cup. The annual tournament will also feature New York City FC and Corinthians.