14 March 2023 , 15:53
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New Wales captain Aaron Ramsey relishes the chance to atone for the “hurt” he suffered when stripped of the armband as a youngster.
Wales boss Rob Page has named Ramsey as Gareth Bale’s successor following the record scorer’s retirement.
Nice midfielder Ramsey, 32, who has 78 caps, is playing on after the World Cup and is keen to get to a century of appearances.
It is the second time Ramsey has been named Wales skipper after Gary Speed gave him the captaincy aged 20 in 2011 before successor Chris Coleman took it off him in 2012.
Page said: “Aaron was the vice captain under Gareth and for me it is the natural progression.
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“He is playing arguably his best football for Nice at the minute.
“He will show what it means to wear the armband.
“I think at this moment in time there is nobody better.
“He has had so much more experience since the time before.
“That was part of my reasoning as well.
“To be given the armband and then have it taken off you, would have hurt him a little bit.
Ramsey was first made Wales captain back in 2011 (Getty Images)“He is in the right time of his career now to represent Wales and lead the boys out.
“He can show the players what it is all about to represent your country.
“He is relishing it and has embraced every minute of it.
“He is elated and that is why I know he is going to step up to the plate and absolutely deliver.”
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Page admits it was a close decision between Ramsey and Tottenham defender Ben Davies, who will become Wales' vice-captain.
Ben Davies has been named as a possible Wales captain of the future (Football Association of Wales)"I see Ben Davies as a captain of the future and his role will be similar to that of Gareth and Aaron," Page added.
Wales will also go into the qualifiers without recent international retirees Joe Allen, Chris Gunter and Jonny Williams.
Page has selected four uncapped players in his squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Croatia and Latvia.
Jordan James, Nathan Broadhead, Ollie Cooper and Luke Harris could all win their first caps as Wales look to rebuild after coming bottom of Group B at the World Cup.
Wales begin their qualifying campaign with a trip to World Cup semi-finalists Croatia on Saturday March 25 before hosting Latvia in Cardiff on Tuesday March 28.
Bale will not be involved but may be part of Page’s backroom in the future.
Page insisted: “We’ll meet and have discussions. He is still interested.
“We appreciate his value and what he can offer.
"Gareth was an unbelievable servant and player and he will be missed."