Ramos: ‘I definitely want to score against Benfica, but I won’t celebrate’ | OneFootball

Goncalo Ramos says that he is eager to prove his worth to the Milan supporters by scoring against his boyhood club Benfica in the Europa League on Wednesday night, but insists that he won’t celebrate is he does find the back of the net: ‘I spent more time at Benfica than I did at my family home’.

Milan are gearing up for their first European match of the 2026-27 season, at home against Benfica in the Europa League at 20.00 BST on Wednesday evening.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 05: Goncalo Ramos of AC Milan looks on during the pre-season match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

It will be a particularly special occasion for club-record signing Ramos, who spent a decade on Benfica’s books as a youngster.

The centre-forward accompanied head coach Ruben Amorim for the pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Ramos previews Milan vs. Benfica: ‘I definitely want to score’

“It’s a bit strange that the season started a month ago and we’ve hardly played at home. It will be a tough game, but playing in San Siro is always special. We feel the support of our fans and it always helps playing at home. It has that different flavour,” Ramos told reporters at the beginning of his press conference.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 28: Goncalo Ramos of Milan shoots past Filip Stankovic of Venezia under pressure from Kike Perez of Venezia during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Venezia FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We’ll want to use the home factor to our support and to boost our confidence because of the great support we are shown from the fans.”

Ramos was asked if he intends on celebrating if he finds the back of the net against his former club on Wednesday.

He said: “I won’t celebrate because Benfica is my ‘home’ so to speak. I spent more time at Benfica than I did at my family’s home, so I don’t want to celebrate. I definitely want to score, without a doubt. If possible, more than one, but I won’t celebrate.”

The Portugal international was asked what makes him a good striker and what his teammates need to do to get the best out of him.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 28: Goncalo Ramos of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Alexis Saelemaekers during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Venezia FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

He said: “Whether I score or don’t, I believe that the most important thing is that the team wins, even if I’m not the main man or the one who wins the game. Running is part of the player I am and it’s what the coach asks of me, as well as what the team needs.

“I think if we all run and work a lot together, in a smart way, we can achieve a lot this season. We’re still getting to know each other. I’ve recently moved to a new team, we’re creating and understanding the synergy. I believe that we will improve as time goes on and without a doubt, my goals, assists and the team’s victories will start to increase as well.”

There have already been suggestions in the media that Ramos has not scored enough goals after just four matches of the 2026-27 season.

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 06: Goncalo Ramos of Milan runs with the ball under pressure from Bremer of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

In response, he said: “I think for strikers, we tend to link a good performance to scoring a goal. And I don’t think that’s entirely right. I could play a poor game and score and the newspapers would write that I played well because I scored. Or the opposite, I could play a great game without hitting the back of the net, but the goal seems to be the only thing that matters.

“I don’t think this aspect motivates me or does me any harm, because the way I see it, every game is an opportunity to prove my worth. Scoring in the previous game doesn’t make me any more motivated for the next one. Playing is enough motivation in itself and the last performance won’t define me.”

Lastly, Ramos was asked if he received any tips from club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was back at the club’s training ground this week.

“I didn’t receive any specifics. He was kind and asked how I’m doing, he welcomed me to the club and it’s a pleasure to be able to reach out to him. Having the support of a legend and someone with his personality should not be taken for granted.”