Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024
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AARON RAMSEY has urged the Football Association of Wales to show their strength and stick with under-fire boss Robert Page.

The Dragons have won just one of their last 12 internationals after
this month’s shambolic Euro 2024 qualifying defeats to Armenia and Turkey.

Aaron Ramsey was speaking at the opening of Cruyff Court Aaron Ramsey at the Trinity Fields School near his hometown of Caerphilly3

Aaron Ramsey was speaking at the opening of Cruyff Court Aaron Ramsey at the Trinity Fields School near his hometown of CaerphillyCredit: Getty
Wales captain Ramsey has backed under-fire boss Robert Page to turn around their fortunes3

Wales captain Ramsey has backed under-fire boss Robert Page to turn around their fortunesCredit: Reuters

That disappointment has left Wales fourth in Group D, putting their automatic qualification hopes for Germany in tatters but a play-off next March is still a possibility.

Ramsey has seen all this doom and gloom before, with previous managers Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs also facing calls from fans to be sacked following tough periods of poor results.

Wales regrouped on both occasions and went on to qualify twice for the Euros in 2016 and 2021 as well as last year’s World Cup.

Now Ramsey, 32, wants chief executive Noel Mooney and the FAW board to put his foot on the ball and pledge their support to Page, who signed a four-year deal last September.

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Ramsey said: “It’s not unfamiliar territory that we find ourselves in.

“We have had previous managers like Chris and Ryan where they had difficult periods. We have to hold our nerve. 100 per cent.

“We’re calm. We know what good work Rob has done with the staff and the people he has brought in. 

“The camp as a whole was brilliant. It was just the performances in the games that let us down.

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“Sometimes these things happen. But it’s how we bounce back from this now. The next camp is going to be really important for us.”

Wales face Latvia away next up in September while Page’s side also host South Korea in a Cardiff friendly as they aim to build confidence and momentum in the autumn.

Nice midfielder Ramsey now has 82 caps after the June double-header.

Ramsey's foundation has been heavily involved in setting up of the new multi-sport court near his hometown of Caerphilly in a joint initiative with the Johan Cruyff Foundation.3

Ramsey’s foundation has been heavily involved in setting up of the new multi-sport court near his hometown of Caerphilly in a joint initiative with the Johan Cruyff Foundation.Credit: Getty

But, despite the Euros setback, he says he has no plans to quit international football like Gareth Bale and Joe Allen.

Asked if he has had any thoughts of hanging up his boots, Ramsey, speaking at the opening of Cruyff Court Aaron Ramsey at the Trinity Fields School near his hometown of Caerphilly, added: “No, I’ll be there.

“I love football. It’s as simple as that. I love representing my country and I will do so for as long as I can and my body feels good. I think I can still produce decent performances. 

“It’s an honour and a privilege every time I put that Welsh shirt on.”

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