Wales Legend Aaron Ramsey Eyes Coaching Like Arsenal's Arteta

A Welsh football legend is trading his playing boots for a coaching clipboard, inspired by watching his former teammate lift the Premier League trophy.

Aaron Ramsey, who represented Wales 86 times and scored some of the nation's most memorable goals, is now studying for his professional coaching license. The 35-year-old is following the exact path Mikel Arteta took a decade ago through the Football Association of Wales.

The timing couldn't be more inspiring. Arteta just guided Arsenal to their first league title since 2004 and will lead the Gunners in Saturday's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Ramsey and Arteta spent five years together at Arsenal between 2011 and 2016, building a friendship that outlasted their time as teammates. Now Ramsey watches his old friend's success as proof that big dreams can become reality.

"It is inspiring because Mikel was here around 10 years ago, in the same position starting his journey," Ramsey said. "That's inspiring for us, to see him 10 years later, lifting the Premier League and in the Champions League final."

Ramsey isn't just dreaming small. His goal is to win the biggest trophies in football as a manager, just like Arteta is doing now.

Why This Inspires

Ramsey's playing career ended in April after 19 years that took him from Cardiff City to Arsenal, Juventus, Rangers, Nice, and back to Cardiff. His trophy case includes three FA Cups, but he came closest to the league title in 2016 with a second-place finish.

Watching Arteta break Arsenal's 20-year title drought filled Ramsey with joy for his friend. "I know the amount of work he's put in and the dedication he has to making sure that he gives absolutely everything for his role and that club," he said.

The Welsh midfielder recently worked with Wales manager Craig Bellamy's staff and had a brief stint as Cardiff's interim boss. He says he feels ready to coach because sitting still isn't in his nature.

"It's not in my DNA to just put my feet up," he explained. "I feel ready to coach, to manage, to be inspiring to a group of players."

For Ramsey, one of Wales' greatest ever players, the next chapter is about finding purpose and passing on what he learned to the next generation.