Aaron Ramsey has revealed that both Arsenal and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) were against his call-up to Team Great Britain.
The 21-year old midfielder was selected in Stuart Pearce's final squad for this summer's Olympic Games but said he had to go against the wishes of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger as well as his national association.
"We had a meeting in which he gave his opinion and I gave mine," he told the London Evening Standard.
"The Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, plus it is the chance to play in an international tournament, an experience I have not had.
"I've followed the Olympics all my life and though I did some athletics at school, I never dreamed about being an Olympic athlete and I never thought about taking part because there isn't normally a Great Britain football team. So to be part of it and perhaps win a medal is exciting."
He added: "We had one meeting with the FAW and they said it was up to us. They made it clear how they felt but said the ball was in our court.
"We are all mature enough to make our own decisions and we are here."
