Dean Ashton has told talkSPORT that he questions Rangers’ transfer deadline day signing Aaron Ramsey’s attitude to play regularly for Wales yet he rarely turned out for Juventus.
The Gers struck a last-gasp deal with the Bianconeri to loan Ramsey for the remainder of the season. The Sun also note the Ibrox natives obtained an option to buy the midfielder in the summer. While the Serie A side will keep paying most of his £400k-a-week gross wage.
Massimiliano Allegri has allowed Ramsey to leave Turin midway through the season having only fielded him five times this term. The 31-year-old also only made three of his outings in the league for a mere 98-minutes. Additionally, his last appearance came on September 26.
Since then, Ramsey has spent time on the sidelines with yet further injuries to continue the trend of his Juventus career. Nonetheless, the 71-cap international turned out for Wales in October and November to guide his country into the World Cup play-offs against Austria.
He started each of Wales’ final four Group E fixtures and captained the side against Estonia and Belgium. He also scored three goals and offered an assist to help to an unbeaten run.
Ashton questions Ramsey’s mentality after Rangers arrival
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst will hope Rangers have signed the Wales version of Ramsey than the Juventus edition with his loan. But the Gers boss has told Sky Sports the midfielder’s fitness issues and missing sessions with the Bianconeri means he will not face rivals Celtic.
So, Ramsey may have to wait until Rangers host Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday for his Gers debut. And While Ashton admits “it’s clearly fantastic business” to pull off Ramsey’s arrival, the former England international has strong issues with the Juventus midfielder’s attitude.
“I don’t think he will make a dot of difference because he barely plays,” Ashton said. “He can’t stay fit. I would question his character because he is always able to find himself to be fit and playing for Wales.
“Every time I watch him for Wales, I am like: ‘Wow. He is still absolutely the player who could be in the Premier League or anywhere over Europe’. Then I see when he does come on for Juve and I’m like: ‘That’s not the same player, why can’t you stay fit?’
“Is it because Wales allow him to maybe be at 80%, maybe miss training and they manage him well? Is it just his mentality, what is it? That has to be put into question; which Aaron Ramsey is turning up for Rangers?”
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