Aaron Ramsey couldn’t look more at home if he was wearing a dressing gown and some slippers, as he speaks to FFT at Cardiff City’s training ground. The Wales skipper is back where it all began.
Ramsey returned to his former club in July, 16 years after he became the Bluebirds’ youngest ever player and, in the process, broke a record set by the legendary John Toshack. Cardiff had to survive a relegation battle last season and his focus is on moving them up the Championship standings, with the ultimate ambition of taking them back to the top flight. What’s more, having succeeded Gareth Bale as captain of his country more than a decade after first carrying out the role, Ramsey is attempting to lead Wales to a third consecutive European Championship.
After spells at Juventus and Nice, the 32-year-old could have continued his club career abroad this term. Instead, a stunning early-season strike away at Leicester (right) hinted that he’s keen to stamp his mark in the UK again.
It was his 98th senior goal in a career that has seen the midfielder overcome a horror injury to bag two FA Cup final winners, clinch Serie A and dazzle for Wales on the big stage, making UEFA’s Team of the Tournament as they swept into the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
We’d better get cracking, then…
How did your return to Cardiff come about this summer? Was it a difficult decision to turn down Saudi Arabia?
Joseph Poole, St Albans
This football club means everything to me. I came through Cardiff’s academy and made my way through the youth ranks before making my debut in the first team. Everything began right here – this club gave me my opportunity.
I spent last season in France, at Nice, and it was tough being away from my family. As soon as I knew that Cardiff were interested in me, I did everything I could to come back. I’m delighted to be here. The Saudi league is obviously attracting some big names, and there are financial reasons to be considered if they come calling, but being back around my family is priceless. I include this club as part of that family – this is where I belong.
Who were your footballing heroes?
Greg Morter, via Facebook
Coming through at Cardiff, I looked up to Graham Kavanagh. He was captain and played in central midfield, like me. He was a hero of mine and the player I wanted to try to emulate.
Is it true that you could have played rugby league for St Helens?
Dennis Morris, Newton-le-Willows
We used to play rugby union at school and I’d play as fly-half – a numbersides in Yorkshire, and one of the guys there asked me if I’d be interested in a trial at St Helens. I turned it down due to football commitments. I think I made the right call!
