'Football is forever changing, but we're excited for the future': Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was going to RETIRE after Wales' early World Cup exit... but was inspired to continue under new management at Ligue 1 Nice

  • INTERVIEW: Aaron Ramsey nearly quit football after the World Cup 
  • Wales left at the group stage, and colleague Gareth Bale quit shortly afterwards 
  • But Ramsey said he was reinvigorated by a change of manager at Ligue 1 Nice 

Aaron Ramsey was poised to quit football after the World Cup before a change of coach at his club Nice persuaded him to change his mind.

The former Arsenal midfielder has been named captain of Wales following the retirement of Gareth Bale after Qatar 2022, after both players struggled as Rob Page’s side exited at the group stage without a victory.

Yet Sportsmail understands Nice’s decision to replace Lucien Favre with Didier Digard in January revitalised Ramsey, and he is now keen to continue with the Ligue 1 club, after agreeing an initial one-year contract last summer.


Asked whether he had considered his future in the game, Ramsey said: ‘It was a very difficult time after the World Cup. We did so well to finally get to the finals and to experience that, but it was a very strange World Cup.

‘I think a lot of things naturally went through your mind afterwards, but after a bit of time to digest it all you're ready to go again.

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey considered quitting football after Wales exited the World Cup

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey considered quitting football after Wales exited the World Cup

Ramsey was part of the Wales team that was eliminated at the group stage in Qatar
But the Welsh midfielder was reinvigorated by a chance of management at Ligue 1 Nice

Ramsey admits that he was reinvigorated after a change of management at French club Nice

‘I've come back at club level, we've been doing really well, I've been enjoying my football and I'm playing well. There's a lot to look forward to.

‘Football is forever changing. There'll be opportunities now younger players to step up and show what they're capable of. We'll miss the players who have retired but we’re excited for the future.’

Nice have marched up the table since Digard’s appointment are now on the fringes of a European spot. They also meet Basel in the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League next month.

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