Aaron Ramsey has suggested he wants to remain at Cardiff City, but still feels his immediate priority is playing rather than managing.
The Bluebirds may be preparing for a summer pondering League One football but Ramsey believes he could be the man to realign the club’s fractured identity.
Despite a chaotic 4-2 defeat to Norwich City on the final day of the Championship season, the caretaker manager’s attention was firmly fixed on what comes next — for himself and the club he’s always called home.
“I am a Cardiff fan and know what they have been going through and the questions they have been asking,” said Ramsey.
“I am open to help realign things here. I have loved every minute of it, and in the three games I think we have given the supporters something to buy into.”
Cardiff, already relegated before kick-off, endured a nightmare start at Carrow Road — going 3-0 down and losing Calum Chambers to a red card inside 23 minutes.
Yet Ramsey’s depleted side showed resilience, with Yousef Salech netting twice and restoring pride in a second-half fightback.
Ramsey remained composed on the touchline throughout, guiding his side with maturity and defiance, even as Norwich — led by fellow Arsenal old boy Jack Wilshere — ended their six-game winless streak.
“I’ve got a few things to think about, that’s for sure. There are no guarantees either way but I’ve enjoyed it and I see myself out there in the future,” Ramsey admitted.
“It’s given me something to think about, that’s for sure. There will be a few meetings going forward, and at some stage there obviously needs to be some clarity. We’ll just have to see what happens.”
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This was Ramsey’s third match as interim boss and likely his final act before Cardiff decide on a permanent appointment.
While he’s yet to complete his coaching qualifications, his connection with the fans and players has led many to call for him to be given the reins.
“I feel a responsibility to try to align everyone again,” he added.
“It has been a tough few years. I’m a fan as well and I realise exactly the things that they have been going through and the questions they have. But I am definitely open to grabbing this and realigning everything.”
“100 per cent,” he answered when asked if he wants to be the one to lead Cardiff back.
“If given that opportunity, we’ll see, but I am a Cardiff fan, I have come through the academy, this club means a lot.”
He has stressed his priority is getting fit and resuming his playing future. However, where that will be remains uncertain.
With his contract due to expire this summer and only six Championship starts made this season due to injury, Ramsey acknowledged the physical toll his career has taken.
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Since leaving Arsenal in 2019, his minutes have been limited by fitness issues at Juventus, Rangers, Nice, and back in South Wales.
“I had the operation to repair my hamstring but I needed that regardless,” he said.
“If I want to go and play golf, that gives me a better quality of life.”
Still, the brief taste of management appears to have ignited something deeper.
“I have loved playing football. It’s all I’ve ever known but having this little couple of weeks doing this and seeing the impact has given me something to consider.”
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