After 19 goals in Portugal this season, he wants to "take the next step"

Chucho Ramírez was one of the season's breakout stars. The forward scored 19 goals in 34 games for Nacional this season, finishing as the league's fourth-top scorer (18 goals in the league and one in the Taça de Portugal), behind only Begraoui, Pavlidis, and Luis Suárez.

The Venezuelan helped his club secure their top-flight status by scoring a brace in last Saturday's 2-0 home win against his former team, Vitória de Guimarães. After a stellar individual season, the 28-year-old is now looking to "take the next step."

Speaking to his country's Ruta Vinotinto YouTube channel, the player revealed he has already informed the president of his intention to leave Madeira this summer. "I made it clear to the president that I want to take the next step now. If an opportunity arises with a big club in Portugal, I would be delighted. Otherwise, I'd like to try another league, to see if I have the chance to compete at a higher level," he stated, also thanking manager Tiago Margarido for his work.

"But the best years of my career were at Nacional and with the same coach. I am a strong believer in God. I entrusted my life to Him, and He has given me extraordinary things, including a goal from a direct free-kick, which I had never scored before," he added.

Chucho Ramírez also revealed that he was close to joining Fluminense in January and that he views Spanish football favorably. "I was close to moving to Fluminense mid-season, but the transfer fell through due to minor details. I watch a lot of football and, based on my characteristics, I would love to play in the Spanish league," he explained.