Aaron Ramsey has described former Arsenal team-mate Mikel Arteta as an inspiration as he prepares for a future in football management.
The 35-year-old is currently studying for his UEFA Pro Licence with the Football Association of Wales (FAW), the highest coaching qualification available. Arteta completed the same pathway around a decade ago before embarking on his managerial career.
Arteta now leads Arsenal into Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, having already guided the club to the Premier League title this season. Ramsey says the Spaniard’s success provides a clear example of what can be achieved.
“It’s 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 being in the Champions League final.
“I want to win all the big things in the game. That’s the goal and the target – to get as good as I can and make that a reality.”
Former Team-Mates at Arsenal
Ramsey spent 11 years at Arsenal, sharing the dressing room with Arteta between 2011 and 2016.
During his time in north London, the Welsh midfielder won three FA Cups and became one of the club’s most influential players. However, Arsenal narrowly missed out on Premier League glory during his playing days, with a second-place finish in 2016 their closest challenge.
The club’s league title success this season ended a wait stretching back to 2004, and Ramsey said he was delighted to see his former colleague achieve that milestone.
“From a friend’s perspective, I am really pleased for him,” Ramsey said.
“I know the amount of work he’s put in and the dedication he has to making sure he gives absolutely everything for his role and that club.
“And I am so pleased for my team to have been able to win the Premier League this year.”
Ready for a Return to the Touchline
Ramsey has already gained experience on the coaching side of the game, working in an unofficial role alongside Craig Bellamy within the Wales setup in recent months.
Having retired from playing in April after a 19-year professional career, he believes he is ready to take on a coaching or managerial position if the right opportunity arises.
Ramsey’s playing career included spells with Arsenal, Juventus, Rangers, Nice and Cardiff City, where he returned in 2023. He also spent time with Mexican club Pumas UNAM before bringing his playing days to an end.
He briefly served as Cardiff City’s interim manager during the 2024-25 Championship season, overseeing the club’s final three matches, although he was unable to prevent relegation.
After several months away from the game, Ramsey says he is eager to return because having a sense of purpose remains important.
“It’s not in my DNA to just put my feet up,” he said.
“I feel ready, but that all depends on the opportunity. What that looks like will be different from different clubs and different age groups.
“For me, I feel ready to coach, to manage and to be inspiring to a group of players. We’ll see what comes up.”
International Career and Future Ambitions
Ramsey will be remembered as one of Wales’ greatest players, scoring 21 goals in 86 appearances and representing his country at three major tournaments.
He says Wales’ World Cup play-off defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March ultimately convinced him that it was time to retire.
“The thing for me was that the carrot being dangled was the World Cup,” he said.
“Every time I put on that Welsh shirt, it is the pinnacle of the game for me.
“I’m so proud to represent my country, so that was the thing that was keeping me going.
“Obviously it didn’t come, but I’m extremely proud of what I’ve done as a player and now I have bigger plans to go into coaching.”
With his playing career behind him and his coaching education progressing, Ramsey hopes to follow a path similar to Arteta’s and eventually compete for the biggest honours in football from the dugout.
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