Ampadu preparing for a ‘big summer’
ETHAN Ampadu has hinted that he’s unlikely to decide on his next move before this year’s European Championships, but admits he’s facing a “big summer” over the coming months.
The 20-year-old has linked up with his Wales team-mates for their pre-Euro 2020 training camp in Portugal this week, following on from a loan spell at Sheffield United that brought somewhat mixed success.
Despite suffering the pain of relegation from the Premier League, Ampadu got his first real taste of regular first-team football in the top flight, and was recently heavily praised by United’s interim boss Paul Heckingbottom.
The midfielder admits it was an experience that will stand him in good stead ahead of this summer’s championships, where he will be set to lock horns with some of the biggest names in Europe, although interestingly he’s not taking his place in Rob Page’s squad for granted.
Ampadu has not yet held discussions with Chelsea, and his future at Stamford Bridge will likely be the subject of speculation over the coming weeks.
However, the former Exeter City starlet says he is only thinking about Wales, having previously tasted the excitement of the pre-tournament camp back in 2016 .
Chris Coleman’s squad went on to enjoy a magical run to the semifinals of that tournament, but a baby-faced Ampadu ducked out to take his GCSEs.
However, he is likely to be a big part of Page’s squad for this summer’s showpiece, and insists he’s fit and raring to go.
“Towards the end of the season, I had a little pelvic problem, but I’m here like everyone else to be an option if selected,” he added.
“There were great memories of the last tournament. They did so well last time and the people who were there then and are still here now, they share their experiences of that. And that just sort of pushes everyone to want to do the same again.
“Not only just for us, but for the fans too.”
Ampadu also insists that questions over his future will not be any distraction to the task at hand for Wales, who open their Euros campaign against Switzerland in Baku on June 12.
“It’s a big summer for me, but it’s a big summer for everyone,” he said.
“Whoever’s fortunate enough to be involved in the Euros it’ll be a big summer.
“It [my future] isn’t really a big distraction. To be honest I’ve not really been thinking about what might happen next year, because you never know.
“If you perform at a good level that might change things, so it’s about concentrating on the now and trying to do as well as I can.
”At the moment, I’m here and just concentrating on Wales.”