Goncalo Ramos makes immediate impact as AC Milan begin season strongly

AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim says Goncalo Ramos has already shown why the club invested about 80m euros to sign him from French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain during the off-season.

The Portugal international scored the opening goal in Milan’s 2-0 victory over Venezia at San Siro on Friday night, having failed to find the net in their 2-1 away win against Torino in the opening game of the season.

Ramos’ early contribution has impressed Amorim, who believes the 25-year-old offers considerably more than goals. Milan made a major financial commitment to bring him to the club because of his record as a striker, but the manager also highlighted the forward’s movement, work rate and ability to link play.

“Of course he’s a striker, we paid a lot of money because he scores goals, but the way he plays, works, connects the game, that means a lot,” Amorim told DAZN Italia.

“Sometimes it looks like we have two guys breaking the line, but it’s just Goncalo Ramos.

“The way he didn’t score big opportunities, he was composed for the third one and free to score a goal. That shows he is an experienced player, he’s not thinking about the missed chances, he’s thinking about the next one.”

Amorim’s assessment came despite Ramos having eight shots on goal before eventually scoring once against Venezia. The manager was particularly pleased with the striker’s reaction after failing to convert earlier opportunities, saying his composure allowed him to remain focused and take advantage when another chance arrived.

Ramos has also welcomed the beginning of his career at AC Milan and said he appreciated the attacking approach being encouraged by Amorim. The forward believes the club’s identity is already clear on the pitch, with an emphasis on playing positively while competing to win every match.

“It’s clear on the pitch our DNA, our new mentality, we want to play football and win every game, but at the same time we want to enjoy our football,” said Ramos.

“We are here to win, but also to have fun. It is very easy to be here, everyone helps me every day, I feel at home already and that’s an amazing feeling.”

Milan’s decision to spend in the region of 80m euros on Ramos reflects their belief that he can provide a regular source of goals after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. His first two appearances have produced one goal, while his wider involvement in the team has been praised by Amorim.

The victory over Venezia followed Milan’s opening-day success at Torino, giving Ramos and his new team a positive start to the campaign. The striker’s goal at San Siro was the latest indication of the attacking influence Amorim expects him to bring to the side.