The 31-year-old left Melbourne City and went embarked on a journey for Iran’s Tractor Sazi, the Philippines’ Ceres-Negros and Malaysia’s Felda United.

He now finds himself in provincial Thailand, representing Sukhothai FC as his team sit sixth on the table undefeated after five games.

Perth-born Ramsay has also represented the Philippines since 2015 and recently came back from the country’s inaugural Asian Cup appearance in the UAE.

He added he was enjoying his football in Thailand and the league had exceeded his expectations.

Ramsay in action for the Azkals

“When I left the A-League, I had the offer to go to Iran,” Ramsay told FTBL.

“I knew if I took that offer, I would have to ride out this Asian ride and to try play in Asia for as long as I can. It’s definitely a journey that’s for sure.

“Football is always up and down, but I’m enjoying the year so far. When you’re enjoying your football, that’s when you play your best, so I’m expecting a lot of good things to come this year.

“Where I play, it’s similar to playing in like a Coopers Stadium back in my Adelaide United days, it’s a boutique stadium, fans fill it out, it feels like they’re on top of you and they’re very vocal and passionate.

“I was surprised how much they love football in this city. We’ve got a decent side and we haven’t lost so far. There’s a lot of promising signs in our team and hopefully we go a long way this year.

“It’s another thing when you experience it first hand and you’re playing in it, the level is definitely high and they love to play proper football here. South-east Asia football is growing every year and the Thai league is getting stronger.”

Ramsay added the Thai national team was growing as a result of the league’s progression in the past years.

The winger said he could only envisage Asian football growing stronger every season.

“It basically comes down to money, they’re just pumping so much money into clubs, leagues and sponsorships,” he said.

“They can bring big players for big bucks in US dollars, it’s very hard for the A-League to compete with the salary cap. It’s no surprise that year-in and year-out that these leagues are getting stronger and stronger.”

 


 

He also added he was enjoying life in Thailand.

“The people here are friendly and are very accommodating. They make sure everything’s OK and you’re settling in fine,” Ramsay said.

“Thai people are pleasant people and they’re respectful. Since I’ve signed in Sukhothai, the transition of moving countries wasn’t hard at all. I came here straight after the Asian Cup and I’ve been enjoying my football ever since.

“Thai people are all about respect and I think as a foreigner, as long as you come into a new country, you respect their culture, you keep your head down and work hard, then you shouldn’t have too many problems.”

Ramsay is still on top of the world after his first major international campaign at the Asian Cup, but admits it was a bitter pill to swallow after losing all three games.

The Azkals played Korea Republic, China PR and Kyrgyzstan and left the tournament with just one goal scored by Stephan Schrock.

“Obviously South Korea are more than a decent team and then we played China, but to be honest, when we played Kyrgyzstan, it was disappointing not to come away with anything from that game,” Ramsay said.

“We played them twice previously and beat them both times, but to play them in the Asian Cup and to lose the way we did. It was a bit disappointing because out of the three teams we played, it was the team we were most likely to pick up some points against.

“The tournament is done now and that experience was second-to-none. All in all, it was an enjoyable tournament. That last game we should’ve got something for sure.”

Ramsay also praised Filipino goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard after replacing Neil Etheridge, who stayed with Premier League side Cardiff City during the Asian Cup.

Ramsay enjoying playing for the Azkals

Falkesgaard is half Danish and is also in Thai League 1 playing for Bangkok United.

“Michael did remarkably well to be honest with you,” he added.

“Filling Neil’s shoes wasn’t an easy task and he’s playing at Cardiff and worked so hard with the national team to get us to the Asian Cup.

“To miss out is understandable because he’s playing in the best league in the world and they’re going through a hard time at the moment, so they definitely need him. Michael came in and did really well.

“He’s a confident keeper and is very good with both feet. We’re five games into our league, but he’s already made a bit of a name for himself. If he keeps going the way he’s going, he’ll definitely have a long career in Asia that’s for sure.”