Cymru captain Aaron Ramsey delighted about David Brooks return
Cardiff, Wales. 5th June 2021. Aaron Ramsey of Wales thanks the fans at full time Wales v Albania friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium on the 5th June 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Cymru captain Aaron Ramsey has spoken of his delight at having David Brooks back in the camp ahead of the European qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey.
Brooks hasn’t been involved in the Wales setup since the Euro 2021 round of 16 game against Denmark, as a result of being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.
After making a return for Bournemouth in March, he earned a recall to the squad for the two June fixtures, and Ramsey couldn’t hide his excitement about having the winger back in the fold.
“It’s absolutely amazing that he’s back in with us.
“We’ve really missed him, and he’s done so much to overcome what he’s done and to get himself into the shape he’s in now.
“He played a few times for Bournemouth towards the end of the season, and now to have him here is great.
“We all know what Brooksy is like, he’s a great player who is capable of producing some magical moments.”
Rambo also revealed that manager Rob Page had said a few words in a team meeting about Brooks’ return, and that the whole team can’t wait to see him wearing the red shirt once more.
“The gaffer said a few words about him the other day and welcomed him back in and the boys, the staff were just all buzzing that he was back with us.
“He’s going to be so important for us for the rest of the campaign and we’re looking forward to seeing him in that Welsh shirt again.”
An arm round Ampadu
One player who will be joining up with the squad later this week is Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu played in a Serie A relegation playoff with Spezia on Sunday night, but his team were defeated 3-1 by Hellas Verona.
The result means Ampadu has now suffered three successive relegations: first with Sheffield United, then Venezia, and now Spezia.
Ramsey is aware that the players need to rally around Ampadu, especially as they know how important he is to the Welsh system.
“At this stage of the season, you are going to have individuals who are on a real high on those who are on a bit of a low. It’s important, not just for myself but for the whole team, to get around Ethan.
“He knows how important he is for us and he’s a great lad as well. I’m sure he’ll be raring to go for Wales and give absolutely everything, even though he’s probably disappointed with how it’s ended in Italy.”
While the past three seasons is enough to take its toll on any player, no matter their experience, Ramsey is confident that Ampadu will be a shining light for any club.
“Whatever he does going forward, all I can speak about is how he’s been here, and I’m so impressed with the way he plays, and his personality is great.
“He’d be an asset to any team he plays for and hopefully he can show that wherever he may be next season.”
Three Peaks Challenge
After the games against Armenia and Turkey, Ramsey will take on a very different task.
Rambo will be doing the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of a close friend of his, who as been through a very difficult time lately.
“We’re doing the Three Peaks challenge for a cause that’s really close to my heart. A good friend of mine lost his little one, who was only five years old.
“We will be doing as much as we can to raise money for him and his wife who have set up the charity to help families and children who are going through difficult times.
“So, I’ll be putting on my walking boots and trying to get my way up those mountains.”
You can donate to the charity by clicking on the link below.
It’s Never You is fundraising for Its Never You (justgiving.com)
