'Build him a statue' - Bellamy backs Ramsey after Wales omission

Midfielder Aaron Ramsey has won 86 caps and scored 21 goals for Wales

World Cup qualifier: Kazakhstan v Wales

Venue: Astana Arena, Astana Date: Thursday, 4 September Kick off: 15:00 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC One, S4C, iPlayer, BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, the BBC Sport website and app, plus live text commentary.

Wales boss Craig Bellamy insists Aaron Ramsey still has an international future despite leaving him out of his latest squad - and believes the captain should have a statue built in his honour when he eventually retires.

Ramsey, 34, was omitted from the squad for Thursday's World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan and friendly against Canada the following Tuesday.

Bellamy explained that the midfielder's lack of match fitness was the reason for what he described as a mutual decision, with Ramsey only making one substitute appearance since March.

That came earlier this month as he made his debut for new club Pumas UNAM, playing his first minutes for the Mexican side since sustaining a hamstring injury for Cardiff City last season.

Ramsey has previously stated his aim of playing at the 2026 World Cup, and Bellamy still sees a place for the former Arsenal playmaker in his future plans.

"He's been about for a while and he's still got football in his legs. He might even have more with this move, I don't know," said Bellamy. "We'll see. He's available. You cannot not look at him. It's impossible.

"We're always quick to try and retire people. It's not our right to, not our right to have an opinion on their right. I don't believe it is.

"Leave it to them. When they've earned that, leave it to them. And the moment he says no, then, 'Where's your statue?' Then we'll do that for you.

"Because he's been the most incredible player. And do you know what I found with him as well? The team grows. When they see him, they grow. You just hear his messaging and he talks. [Players think] 'we're good, we're good, we've got this'. Even at 50% of what it was before."

Bellamy has always spoken glowingly about Ramsey, having played with him for Wales and Cardiff before coaching him.

He kept the former Juventus midfielder as his Wales captain following his appointment as head coach in July 2024, and values what Ramsey can bring to his players off the field as well as his playing attributes.

Bellamy has also dismissed the notion that playing in Mexico might harm Ramsey's hopes of prolonging his international career.

"If he's playing football and he's in condition to be able to play the way we want to play [he'll be included]. If he isn't, then he knows it's not an opportunity," Bellamy added.

"But if he's in condition... I look back at the Turkey game [Bellamy's first match], that's the only game really I've had him. And I keep looking back. He was immense.

"I played him like a false nine and some of the balls he was able to play for our runners, because we have top runners.

"I can't get that [anywhere else]. Give me another Aaron Ramsey? Buy me one! There isn't. He's still there. He's not gone away.

"That ability, that doesn't go, and the level he's played at. Don't underestimate that."

With next year's World Cup being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Bellamy hopes Ramsey can provide insight into the playing conditions Wales might face if they qualify.

"I spoke to him before he was going to do it [move to Pumas]. We have a long relationship, it's over a number of years, so I'm keenly fond of him. And I was quite excited for him, I really was," Bellamy said.

"My concern - and not just with footballers - is for anyone just be happy. If you're not ready to retire, keep playing. Don't have that lingering thought and play as long as you want, as long as you're happy.

"And his family were happy. They were happy to move with him, and what an experience. Wouldn't you like to go to Mexico for a year?

"There's the altitude. What's it going to be like if he comes down? Live high, train low - what's that going to do?

"I'm excited for that, and if, when, we get to Mexico, or if we have to play over there, then we've got first-hand experience. Tell us everything."