Ex-Prem ace and Champions League winner looks unrecognisable four years on from retirement

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Ramires left Chelsea for the Chinese Super League in 2016 (Image: Getty)

Former Chelsea star Ramires looks unrecognisable now that he is enjoying retirement. The ex-midfielder thrived for the Blues at Stamford Bridge, playing a key role in their Champions League success in 2012.

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Ramires spent time with Brazilian sides Joinville and Cruzeiro as a youngster before joining Benfica. The midfielder wasted no time in showcasing his quality with the Portuguese outfit, slotting into the heart of their side and catching the attention of top clubs around Europe.

In 2010, just 12 months after Ramires had joined Benfica, the playmaker was on the move again. Chelsea pounced to strike an £18million deal to secure his services, being Carlo Ancelotti’s marquee arrival in the summer window.

Ramires spent six years in west London, winning five trophies and asserting himself as one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League. The versatile playmaker was key at both ends of the pitch for the Blues, being able to protect his backline effortlessly and drive the ball forward when in possession.

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Ramires has grown a beard since hanging up his boots (Image: Instagram: rami7oficial)

Ramires had his hair cut very short during his time with Chelsea and didn’t have any facial hair. Thus, the 37-year-old looks unrecognisable with his new look. The ex-Palmeiras star now has his hair grown out slightly and a beard, making him tricky to connect to the player who dominated matches for six years at Stamford Bridge.

After falling out of favour under Guus Hiddink, Ramires opted to ride the wave of established professionals heading to the Chinese Super League. He joined Jiangsu Suning in 2016 for £25m and united with fellow Brazilians Alex Texeira and Jo, formerly of Manchester City.

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Ramires played a pivotal role in Chelsea's Champions League success (Image: Getty) READ MORE Man Utd urged to snub Ross Barkley after opting against free transfer

Ramires spent three years in the Middle East before joining Palmeiras, with his minutes gradually dropping during the final years of his career. However, the midfielder insisted that he did not regret heading to China and claimed that the bolstered finances was not the only reason behind the move.

He said: “I see a lot of people saying that I came to China just for the money, but that's not true. If you look at the situation I was going through at Chelsea at the time of the transfer you will see that I was Hiddink's last option in my position and this was frustrating me a lot.

"Jiangsu introduced me to a long-term project where I would be a key player, they offered me everything I could think of and more, and I decided together with my agent and family that this would be the best decision. The money issue weighed on the decision, I put it on the scale that I am already 29 years old and that an irrefutable opportunity like this may never come again. But the way things were happening at Chelsea was the main reason."

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