By Gareth James
Aaron Ramsey insists he is on board the Bulut train and can ride it towards Championship success with Cardiff City this season.
The Wales captain has been written off by some after four years of late departures, leaves on the line and occasional derailments since he left Arsenal in 2019.
But having returned to his first club, Ramsey insists he is injury-free and can finally enjoy a smooth ride under their recently appointed Turkish boss, Erol Bulut.
“I feel good again,” said Ramsey, who has averaged 12 league starts per season since he left the Gunners in 2019.
“I kept myself ticking over in the off season and, I’ve been building up the minutes and I’m good to go.
“I still feel I’m capable of producing performances, so for me there was no better time to come back to Cardiff and to help them progress.”
Another good run out before the start of the season. Thanks to all the away fans Brilliant as usual 🐦🙌🏼 @CardiffCityFC pic.twitter.com/SLLEewCWFi
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) July 29, 2023
After various injury issues, Ramsey showed he still has the durability to manage to make a combined 44 appearances for French club Nice and Wales last season.
His homecoming to the club he left 15 years ago, means the 32-year-old has managed to get Bluebirds fans all misty-eyed and they quickly sold out their aways fans’ allocation of 2,000 tickets for their opening trip to Leeds United next Sunday.
“Cardiff have had some low points in recent years, but they have also had some highs, like being in the Premier League,” added Ramsey.
“My aim is to help them get back there. I’ve met the new manager and had a few discussions about how he wants me to play, so I’m excited to get going.”
Ramsey played his last match in French football in May and then featured twice for Wales in June – against Armenia and Turkey – so Bulut insists there are not recent questions against his midfielder’s fitness.
“He has not lost any conditioning because he was not long away from the game,” said Bulut.
Ramsey played in Cardiff’s final pre-season warm -up game at the weekend, a goalless draw at Wycombe Wanderers.
📺 Get your Match Pass now and watch the #Bluebirds face Wycombe Wanderers! 👇#CityAsOne | @CardiffCityTV
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) July 29, 2023
