Ramsey - No regrets over campaign

11 November 2011 15:47

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey insists he has no regrets over taking part in a promotional campaign for the Team GB Olympic team.

The Arsenal midfielder and compatriot Gareth Bale both posed in a blue supporters' shirt manufactured by their personal sponsors Adidas, sparking an ongoing saga over whether they should play for Stuart Pearce's side at the Games.

Both players have stated their desire to play for Team GB, but the Football Association of Wales do not want any of the Welsh squad involved as they fear it will harm their standing as an individual association within FIFA. The issue has completely dominated the build-up to Saturday's friendly against Norway at Cardiff City Stadium, but Ramsey said: "I don't regret what I was doing. Gareth and I are contracted to Adidas and it was a shoot for them."

He added: "I spoke to Gareth about what happened, but it wasn't just that top that we had pictures taken in that day. There were a few others. We were promoting the shirts for them.

"Whatever I say about the Olympics I'm going to get a reaction - positive or negative. I've said what I have to say about the Olympics and I don't want to say anything else."

Unlike Bale, Ramsey has previously said that he would not make himself available for selection for Team GB if he felt it would affect Wales' identity.

And he re-iterated that stance on Friday, and hopes that he and Bale will receive a good reception from the home fans come game time as Wales seek a fourth win in five games.

"My view hasn't changed. If it doesn't affect Wales' identity then I still want to play," he said.

"I hope the fans are supportive. Whenever I put on a Welsh shirt I give 100 per cent. Gareth and Joe (Allen) are no different to me.

"We want to go out there and win. I'm a proud Welshman who gives his best every time so hopefully the fans will get behind us and we can get another good performance."

Source: PA