Chelsea's Samba stars fly the flag for life in London and playing at the Bridge



They’re the three Samba stars of Stamford Bridge, a growing contingent at Chelsea adding a Brazilian presence to the Blues’ line-up not seen before in the Premier League.

The arrival of Oscar last summer added to David Luiz and Ramires – as well as on-loan youngster Lucas Piazon – and all three are a big part of Chelsea’s squad.

Skilful midfielder Oscar, 21, has forced himself into the star-studded attacking midfield alongside Juan Mata and Eden Hazard.

Flying the flag: Chelsea's Brazilian players Oscar (left) David Luiz (centre) and Ramires (right) spoke of their happiness at the club and socialising in London together

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Luiz and Ramires were two of the stars of Chelsea’s successful Champions League winning campaign last season, and although some question Luiz’s composure, his talent is clear to see.

A far cry from last season, this campaign has been a torrid one for the west London club. With Champions League-winning manager Roberto Di Matteo sacked, supporter mutiny and dressing room bust-ups have dominated Rafa Benitez’s interim reign.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the club and the tenure of Benitez, Chelsea’s Brazilian stars told the club’s official magazine they are enjoying life in the capital.

Asked on the trio’s friendship, Oscar said: ‘We get along very well on and off the pitch.

Cool under pressure: Oscar's technical skill has seen the youngster force his way into Chelsea's starting XI

‘My wife and sister are with me now, so I have been seeing London with them, but I spend a bit of time with David and Ramires.

‘We might go out for dinner at a nice restaurant together with our families or go and see some sights because there are so many here in London.’

Flamboyant defender Luiz, used in an experimental midfield role by Benitez earlier in the season, said it is his outgoing personality that helped his compatriots settle in a new country.

‘Yes, I have a great friendship with them both,’ he said.

‘They can be more shy than me but, because I know them and I can speak English a little bit better than them, if it is difficult for them to express themselves, I can try to help.’

Passion: David Luiz, celebrating on Saturday against West Brom, says playing for Chelsea is his 'dream'

Chelsea official magazine

Luiz arrived in England from Benfica in January 2011, five months after Ramires joined Chelsea from the same club.

Since then, Ramires’ tireless running and combative style have made him a useful asset - he is used in central midfield and on the right wing.

He echoed his compatriots’ sentiments, but insisted he uses the little free-time he has to spend time with his family.

‘David and Oscar spend a lot of time together, but I’m married with children so I like to spend my free time with my family. We players spend so much time together!

‘If you think of all the trips we go on together, the games we play, training – we spend more time together than with our own families!’

The trio hope to be playing an extra game at Stamford Bridge this month when their national side take on Russia on March 25.

All three started last month’s friendly against England, where Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard scored a spectacular winner at Wembley to claim victory for the hosts.

In action: Ramires's tireless running and no-nonsense style has earned him fans at Stamford Bridge

Luiz laughed about the training session the day afterwards, and expressed his excitement about pulling on the famous yellow shirt at his club’s home.

‘The next day at the training group I tried to kill him! Just joking – Frank is a great player,’ said Luiz.

‘It is my dream to play for the Brazil national team, it is my dream to play for Chelsea, it is my dream to play at home, and I can unite them all in this game.’

You can buy tickets for Brazil's match against Russia at Stamford Bridge on March 25 - kick off at 7.30pm - by visiting chelseafc.com/tickets . Hospitality packages also available from £99 + VAT. The magazine is on sale now from all good newsagents.





