Andy King believes his former Wales team-mate Aaron Ramsey still feels he has “a lot to give” to the national team. The spotlight is on Ramsey’s international future following a season marred by injuries and limited game time at Cardiff.
Ramsey, the 33-year-old Wales captain, last played for the national team nine months ago. His absence during a penalty shoot-out defeat against Poland in March dashed Wales’ hopes of reaching Euro 2024. Now, Ramsey will miss the upcoming friendlies against Gibraltar and Slovakia to focus on his pre-season training with Cardiff. Wales boss Rob Page has stated that Ramsey’s return in September will hinge on his fitness.
“Players know themselves, they know how their body is feeling,” said King, who recently ended his 18-year senior career after winning the Premier League title with Leicester. “It’s always tough when it’s something you’ve done your whole life. Aaron is a top player and person, and I’m sure he feels he has a lot to give.”
King and Ramsey played together in the Wales midfield from 2009 to 2018, earning 50 caps and reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016. King praised Ramsey as an inspiration for young Welsh players, noting his key role in Wales’ golden generation alongside Gareth Bale.
“Aaron has been central to Welsh football’s rise,” King added. “He always wanted to create and make something happen. He’s been fantastic for Wales and British football, given his stints at Arsenal, Juventus, and Nice.”
With Wales missing out on a third consecutive Euros, they are preparing for Nations League matches against Iceland, Montenegro, and Turkey this autumn. This week, they will play friendlies against Gibraltar in Portugal on Thursday and Euro 2024-bound Slovakia in Trnava.
“It’s a new generation, and some of players are now playing at Premier League level, which is crucial,” said King. “Around 2014 and 2016, we had players consistently in the Premier League. Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson are doing that now, and it bodes well for the future.”
