Ethan Ampadu inspired by the leadership of John Terry and Didier Drogba

Sports

ETHAN AMPADU draws inspiration from Chelsea legends John Terry and Didier Drogba as he chases Wales’ ticket to the 2024 Euro 2024 final.

The Leeds captain will win his 50th cap at the age of 23 in the play-off semi-final against Finland in Cardiff on Thursday.

John Terry was back at Cobham training with Ethan Ampadu and Karen CarneyCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26

Ampadu has already played at a European Championship and World Cup, but wants a third tournament experience in GermanyCredit: Richard Pelham/The Sun

Aaron Ramsey is Wales’ leader but boss Robert Page last week called Ampadu a “future skipper”.

Ampadu returns to his country’s support act instead of captain at club level and says his boyhood blues heroes Terry and Drogba pushed him to lead by example on the pitch.

Ampadu said: “Growing up as a Chelsea fan, I looked up to John Terry and Didier Drogba.

‘I was lucky enough to see those two.

‘Didier was not a captain like John. It was the way he led the team through his achievements rather than wearing the armband.

“Being a leader comes naturally to me. Because of the position I play in, as a midfielder or as a defender, you are in the middle of the field. You try to help the team in any way you can.”

Ampadu, who left Stamford Bridge for Elland Road last summer on a £7million contract, is set to reach his international half-century at the same age as England duo Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

He was introduced to the Wales squad at the age of 15 by Chris Coleman before Euro 2016.

BEST SIGN UP OFFERS FOR FREE BETTS FOR UK BOOKMAKER

Ampadu then made his senior debut against France in November 2017.

The versatile player plays centre-back for Leeds but central midfielder for Wales.

Gareth Bale is playing a brand new sport after retiring from football and the former world number two is impressed

But he would trade his personal night of celebration, in which he becomes the youngest Welsh player to be 50 caps ahead of Chris Gunter, for a third successive European Championship final for the Dragons.

Ampadu added: “It is nice to reach the milestone. It’s a huge achievement.

“I am still young, but I have experienced a lot and I am very grateful for that.

“I hope that even if people say I’ve always been there, I still have a long way to go in the game and I can achieve a lot more.

“But if it meant I didn’t reach 50 caps and we reached the European Championship, I would probably enjoy that more. It’s huge for us.”

Ampadu has guided Leeds to the top of the Championship above Leicester after Sunday’s 2-0 win over Millwall.

But he suffered three successive relegations during loan spells at Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia, prompting cries that he was cursed.
Ampadu laughed at the online headlines: “I often had that!

But what has he learned from the bad times to help Daniel Farke’s high-flying side in their promotional mission?

He added: “I still have the same dedication and application in preparing for games.

“I have accepted the feeling of three relegations and how much it hurt me. I was disappointed.

“I used that as motivation to not have that feeling anymore.
“It’s a lot more fun and enjoyable when you win.

“It’s a different pressure, but the mood is better and more positive when you’re trying to win something.”