Chelsea pair David Luiz and Ramires eagerly anticipating start of Copa America

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Chelsea’s Brazilian pair David Luiz and Ramires have insisted that they can hardly wait for the Copa America tournament to kick-off.

The two 24-year-olds are part of the Brazil squad picked by national coach Mano Menezes which will be looking to take home the trophy.

Although the Stamford Bridge duo are aware of the pressures that come with international football, they are revelling in the opportunity to play for their country in a major tournament.

Luiz told the official Chelsea website: “It is always exciting to play football and the fact I am representing my nation, to have been called upon, is very exciting and I am looking forward to it.”

“There is pressure and responsibility when you play for Brazil but it was always my dream to play for my nation.

“The pressure is big when you are representing the best footballing nation in the world, and we know it will be hard with it being played in Argentina but Brazil can do it,” he added. “We always enter a competition to win.”

Brazil may be reigning champions, but their eight championships cannot hold a candle to Argentina’s 14 and the hosts will be among the favourites once more, and Ramires concedes that it will be difficult to retain the trophy.

“It’s very importan to do well in the tournament,” Ramires added. “The national team is so important to me and I want to succeed with Brazil.

“It’s very difficult to win it, because there are some great teams – Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico.

“In the World Cup there are often weaker teams, but there aren’t many in the Copa America so you’ve got to be at your best all the way through.

“I’m very anxious to take part in this as it’ll be my first time in the competition. I’m very much looking forward to it,” he added.

“Obviously I’m a Chelsea player first, but every player wants to be representing their country and I’m no different.”

Brazil kick-off their tournament on Sunday when they play Venezuela, followed by two more group games against Paraguay and Ecuador.

The quarter-finals will begin July 16 with the final taking place in Buenos Aires on July 24.