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.
Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av FourFourTwo UK.
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Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av FourFourTwo UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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MY PERFECT XI ANITA ASANTE
The former Lionesses defender selects a cosmopolitan side brimming with talent and guided by an all-time great
Complete TOSH
John Toshack's remarkable career took him from Wales, Liverpool and Real Madrid to Azerbaijan, Morocco and Iran. After a brush with death in 2022, he tells his story to FFT
30 WONDERKIDS WHO FADED
FFT remembers the young stars who slipped by the wayside, via backflips, seal dribbles and a suffering goose
Diego on for The son of God
Growing up as the initially unrecognised offspring of Diego Maradona wasn't easy, but after winning his dad's heart and enjoying success in beach soccer, the Neapolitan explains why he's now found peace
VIVA LA REVOLUTION
Horrified at the Glazer family's impending takeover two decades ago, a group of Manchester United fans went to church. FC United was their divine inspiration, a phoenix club born at the heart of the community
THE SLOT MACHINE
Via the shock exit of Jurgen Klopp, key figures tell the inside story of how a group of rising stars and future kings were brought to Liverpool - and how their new Dutch boss led them to the top of the Premier League
SCOTLAND'S OTHER DERBY
It may lack the Old Firm's toxicity, but Edinburgh's head-to-head is no less hostile. FFT went to witness it first hand
LIFE BEGINS AT 40
Now in his fifth decade, Cristiano Ronaldo has no intention of retiring - not with a World Cup in his sights and while still scoring for club and country. But should that decision be taken out of his hands, and could less be more?
SUCCESSION
Bob Paisley delivered glory when he followed Bill Shankly as Liverpool boss. At other clubs, though, following a legendary gaffer has had mixed results...
SING WHEN YOU'RE WINNING
FEATURE FOOTBALL SONGS SING WHEN YOU'RE WINNING From El Tel to John Barnes, footballers once delivered a string of memorable tunes and even the odd No.1 FFT salutes a lost tradition
