"I’ve only thankful things to say about Chelsea because they made me who I am today"

There are many questions that will remain unanswered when Chelsea fans look back in the summer at the nightmares of our season. One however has been answered and that's the transfer of Ramires to China in January.

Like many of you, I was surprised to hear that a deal was done with the player seemingly allowed to leave the club without much fuss. I questioned whether or not the club wanted him to stay but it seemed that the monies on offer in the Far East became too good to turn down with Guus Hiddink speaking shortly after it was confirmed of Ramires' "beautiful transfer". So the deal was done and Ramires left the club after six fantastic years where he won it all at the club. We wished him well and thanked him for everything.

Now, just over two months have passed and we have all moved on with our lives and nothing more was ever thought about it. That was until recently as Ramires spoke for the first time about why he left Chelsea or should I say, why he HAD to leave Chelsea.

He said:

"One of the big reasons I left Chelsea was the arrival of the new coach. 

He didn’t like me as a player or my way and decided very rashly that he wasn’t going to give me an opportunity to fight for a place in his team.

I was a long time out of matches there and I wanted to join in and help a team that was not in a great moment.

Hiddink’s arrival really complicated things for me and I just don’t know why... but I guess that’s football.”

Nothing that anyone expected or would have thought you are thinking? I agree and it's revealing to say the least about Guus Hiddink.

I have been saying to people that we MUST stop all this praise for Hiddink because I personally think that despite this unbeaten run we are on, he made costly mistakes with his team selections in three big games in the Premier League, the Champions League and against Everton in the FA Cup.

I cannot understand why anyone could not warm to Ramires as a footballer and appreciate the qualities he brings to the side. Surely the fact that he is so adaptable to any position on the pitch and seemingly to be such a willing grafter around that pitch, would be a huge benefit to any squad and the Manager's thinking?

I understand people have their own opinion and that's something that we have to accept even if you do not agree but if you asked the Chelsea fans for the general opinion of Ramires and if at that time you would have sold him? I believe the answer would be different to what happened!

Ramires was great for us in my opinion and his contributions to our success will always be held in high regard. He popped up with important goals at vital moments for us in addition to working hard up, down and around that pitch.

Barcelona is a moment that none of us will ever forget. Being two nil down on the night and 1-2 on aggregate, down to ten men with John Terry sent off, no one would have bet on Chelsea to go through.

In fact, all you need to know about placing a bet for the first time is available by clicking the link.

In addition to his comments on Hiddink, Ramires also paid a glowing tribute to Chelsea and had a word of thanks for this old club. He said:

"I am a Chelsea supporter and want the club to get back into the Champions League as quickly as possible because that is where they belong.

I’ve only thankful things to say about Chelsea because they made me who I am today — the name I have in football and a style that people like me for."

Ramires is greatly missed in my view and it would be interesting to see if the new boss Antonio Conte would have kept him at the club for his work rate?

Hiddink not having Ramires or his still of play? Do me a favour!