Aaron Ramsey: Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut surprised Wales ignored captain for penalties

Wales boss Robert Page (left) kept Aaron Ramsey on the bench for both Euro 2024 play-off games

Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut was surprised Wales did not bring on Aaron Ramsey during their Euro 2024 play-off final defeat by Poland on penalties.

Ramsey is Wales and Cardiff's first-choice penalty taker but was an unused substitute on Tuesday having only recently returned from a calf strain.

Wales' Daniel James was the only player to miss a penalty in the shootout.

"I was expecting him [Ramsey] to play against Poland, at least 15 minutes, maybe for the penalties," said Bulut.

"He's a quality player, good with penalties. At least maybe you could use him for penalties. But every manager thinks differently and [Wales manager Robert] Page was thinking of something else.

"Every manager thinks differently and we have to respect the decision of the manager.

"I met with Aaron directly after the game. Of course his morale was not good. It's normal when you lose a game, especially if it means missing Euro 2024.

"Aaron wanted to be there because it was maybe his last Euros. Of course it's disappointing.

"He was expecting to get 15 or 20 minutes in extra time. Poland were pushing and Wales could have kept the ball better with him. That's my opinion - we have to accept the Wales manager. Only one missed penalty."

Bulut and Page had a difference of opinion about Ramsey and his fitness before Wales' Euro 2024 play-offs.

The Cardiff manager was unhappy Wales did not contact the club before recalling Ramsey, who had only played 18 minutes as a substitute for the Bluebirds following his calf strain.

Page then dismissed those concerns, saying bluntly before last week's 4-1 semi-final win over Finland: "I don't know what all the fuss is about to be honest."

Ramsey is now 33 and, although he might be approaching his twilight years, Page said after the play-off final defeat by Poland that he had not discussed the prospect of international retirement with Wales' captain.

Bulut said the same, though he did concede Ramsey might soon have to contemplate when he could call time on his glittering Wales career.

Ramsey has a year left on his Cardiff contract, whereas Bulut's deal expires at the end of this season and has not yet started talks about extending his stay.

"About this [international retirement] we didn't talk. After a game you don't speak about these kind of things. I just saw he was disappointed," said Bulut.

"Maybe he thinks about that [retirement]. Ramsey is 33 and he has to see his injury history.

"If I was manager for next season, I'd like to have him only for my team to have more profit from him than this season.

"He can be with the national team to give morale and confidence as the experienced player. Aaron will decide what he wants with the national team."