Ramsey eyes central role in 'season to remember'

Aaron Ramsey believes he has given himself the chance to play a central role for Cardiff City this season as Erol Bulut’s side target a campaign they “can all remember”.

Ramsey, 33, was restricted to just 13 Cardiff appearances – including only seven starts – in 2023-24 thanks to a succession of fitness issues.

But after what he calls a “very frustrating” season, Ramsey is in good shape going into Saturday’s Championship opener against Sunderland at the Cardiff City Stadium.

“I have worked extremely hard, I have given myself a good base and a good platform,” the Wales captain said.

“Hopefully I can sustain that and play a big role this season. I am raring to go. Hopefully we have a great season and one we can all remember.”

Ramsey returned to his boyhood club in the summer of 2023 after a spell at Nice.

The former Arsenal player made a fine start to the last Championship campaign, scoring three times in his first six games of last term, before injury problems struck.

Even with Ramsey missing, Cardiff enjoyed an improved season under Bulut, finishing 12th having narrowly avoided relegation 12 months earlier.

Now the Welsh club are hoping for further progress in Bulut’s second year at the helm.

Cardiff have signed Calum Chambers, Chris Willock, Anwar El Ghazi and Wilfried Kanga this summer, and are also close to sealing a deal for Manchester City midfielder Alex Robertson.

“I think everybody is a lot more comfortable and familiar with the staff. Now we are really trying to work on a style of play,” Ramsey said.

“These things don’t happen overnight. But last season we definitely took a step forward. Now we need to build on that again.

“I think you can see that we have tried to do that in pre-season and with the new faces, we have brought in some real good quality. I think the squad are in a really good place.”