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Craig Bellamy Sends Message of Support to Aaron Ramsey After Leaving Him Out of Wales Squad

Craig Bellamy, Wales football team manager/head coach. Pic. Alamy

Craig Bellamy, Wales football team manager/head coach. Pic. Alamy

Craig Bellamy has said his thoughts are with Aaron Ramsey and his family as the Wales captain continues to deal with what the manager described as a “heart-wrenching” personal situation.

The Wales boss confirmed that Ramsey, who has been sidelined by injury and whose future at Mexican club Pumas UNAM remains unclear, will not be part of the squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia.

Reports from Mexico have suggested that Ramsey’s contract with Pumas hcraifas been mutually terminated after his family dog – a 10-year-old beagle, Halo - went missing from near a dog shelter while wearing a tracking collar. 

Despite extensive searches and public appeals, Ramsey’s wife Colleen announced earlier this week that the family had accepted Halo had “likely passed away.”

Bellamy said Ramsey remains unavailable for selection due to injury but made clear that football is secondary to the midfielder’s personal circumstances.

“I know it’s a difficult situation for his family,” Bellamy said. 

“I’ve been there, it’s the most heart-wrenching situation. There are other things more important than football.”

READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey Left Out by Wales Who Appear Ready to Move on

The 46-year-old manager, who named a 26-man squad for the final qualifiers of the campaign, said he would not comment directly on Ramsey’s club status, adding that it was not his place to do so.

“It’s not for me to give clarity on that. That’s for Aaron and the club he’s at, or not at,” he said. 

“He’s not available at this present moment as he’s still injured. It definitely wasn’t an option for us.”

Ramsey, capped 86 times for Wales, has not played for the national team since September 2024 due to ongoing fitness issues. 

He was included in Bellamy’s previous squad for matches against England and Belgium last month but withdrew before the first game after suffering a hamstring setback.

READ MORE: Why Craig Bellamy Needs More Balance in His Life if Wales Are to Make World Cup

His absence comes amid uncertainty about his next move, with reports suggesting he has left Mexico and is assessing his options as he looks to rebuild his career ahead of next year’s World Cup play-offs.

Bellamy’s sympathy for his captain’s personal loss came after what has been a demanding start to his tenure as national coach. 

The Wales boss said the entire squad sends their support to Ramsey and his family.

Bellamy also used Wednesday’s press conference to dismiss speculation linking him with the vacant Celtic job. 

The former Wales striker, who had a loan spell at Parkhead in 2005, has been mentioned among possible successors to Brendan Rodgers, with Martin O’Neill currently serving as interim manager.

READ MORE: Craig Bellamy Admits Wales Will Need the Scenic Route if They are to Reach the World Cup Finals

However, Bellamy insisted that the speculation holds no truth and reiterated his commitment to the Wales role he took up in July.

“I can understand the links because I played there,” he said. 

“I definitely understand the links, but I love what I’m doing at this present moment and I’m completely focused on what’s to come.

“I couldn’t want anything more than I have at this present moment. That’s where it lies with me. Anything else just isn’t on my radar and it won’t be on my radar. I’m a real proud Welshman.”

READ MORE: Mind Games . . . Aaron Ramsey’s Brain Power Is World Cup Weapon, Says Craig Bellamy

Bellamy, who signed a contract running until Euro 2028 — a tournament Wales will co-host as part of the UK and Ireland bid — said leading his country had deepened his love for Wales.

“I don’t believe anyone’s as proud to be as Welsh as me, and I’m sure we all feel the same,” he said. 

“This (job) has made it even more. It really has. I’ve fallen in love with the country even more.

“I’m grateful for what I have at the moment and I have a number of years to run. I have a four-year contract. I feel as long as I’m wanted and people in Wales feel I can add, then that is something that motivates me and I stay.

“This has been one of the best periods of my life and hopefully that continues as well.”

 

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