Former Arsenal midfielder was going to QUIT after Wales' early World Cup exit

Aaron Ramsey was poised to quit football after the World Cup before a change of coach at his club Nice persuaded him to change his mind.

The former Arsenal midfielder has been named captain of Wales following the retirement of Gareth Bale after Qatar 2022, after both players struggled as Rob Page’s side exited at the group stage without a victory.

Yet Sportsmail understands Nice’s decision to replace Lucien Favre with Didier Digard in January revitalised Ramsey, and he is now keen to continue with the Ligue 1 club, after agreeing an initial one-year contract last summer.

Asked whether he had considered his future in the game, Ramsey said: ‘It was a very difficult time after the World Cup. We did so well to finally get to the finals and to experience that, but it was a very strange World Cup.

‘I think a lot of things naturally went through your mind afterwards, but after a bit of time to digest it all you're ready to go again.

‘I've come back at club level, we've been doing really well, I've been enjoying my football and I'm playing well. There's a lot to look forward to.

‘Football is forever changing. There'll be opportunities now younger players to step up and show what they're capable of. We'll miss the players who have retired but we’re excited for the future.’

Nice have marched up the table since Digard’s appointment are now on the fringes of a European spot. They also meet Basel in the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League next month.