Ruy Lopez and others

A friend of mine recommended that I play the Ruy Lopez, except if black plays other moves, then the opening does not lend itself to the RL. Can you tell me the openings to learn just in case it is not the RL...such as Italian etc.

Thanks in advance.

Apparently you never opened with 1. e4.   That is the conclusion reading your post.

You play chess for years already on a good level and now ask for openings "to learn"..., well, you no doubt know already some of these answers : Sicilian Defence, Caro-Kann Defence, Scandinavian Opening, French Defence, Alekhine Defence, and on the answer 1. ... e5 : Vienna Game, King's Gambit, Bishop's Opening, King's Knight Opening (e4 e5 / Nf3, the move your friend recommended, but not neccesarily becomes a Ruy Lopez).

After e4 e5 / Nf3 it can become a Spanish Opening  e4 e5 / Nf3 Nc6 / Bb5 ( with a6 ; or without ...a6 of which the Berlin Defence is important, e4 e5 / Nf3 Nc6 / Bb5 Nf6 )

Let this answer be a start for you, wish you luck !