Aaron Ramsey has retired from professional football. The Wales captain and former Arsenal midfielder made the announcement with immediate effect.
Ramsey, aged 35, had been without a club since departing Pumas UNAM of Mexico last year. He is now expected to pursue a career in coaching.
A Wales Great
Ramsey retires as one of Wales’ greatest players. He scored 21 goals in 86 appearances for his country.
He represented Wales at three major tournaments. Ramsey played an integral role in Wales’ historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals and earned a place in Uefa’s team of the tournament.
Ramsey also featured at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. The 2022 World Cup was Wales’ first appearance in the finals stage of that competition for 64 years.
Club Career
The skillful playmaker started his career at Cardiff City. He then moved to Arsenal in 2008, where he won three FA Cups.
Ramsey scored the winning goal in two of those finals during his 11 years with the Gunners. After Arsenal, Ramsey had spells at Juventus, Nice and a second stint at boyhood club Cardiff, where he had a short period as interim head coach at the end of last season.
He joined Pumas in the hope of staying fit enough to be able to play for Wales at this summer’s World Cup had they qualified. But having failed to find a new club since leaving Mexico, Ramsey has decided to call time on his playing career.
Ramsey’s Statement
Ramsey thanked the supporters of Wales and the clubs he represented in his career. He announced his decision on social media.
“This has not been an easy decision to make. After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football,” he wrote.
“Firstly, I want to start with Wales. It has been my privilege to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments in it. It would not have been possible without the incredible input of all the managers I have played under and all the staff who have helped me in many ways.
“To the Red Wall. You have been there through thick and thin! You have been there through the highs and lows, and you have been an essential and indispensable part of our success. I can’t thank you enough. We’ve been through everything together and it’s been an honour to represent you. Diolch.
“Secondly, thank you to all the clubs I’ve been lucky enough to play for. Thank you to all the managers and staff that have helped me be able to live my dream and play at the highest level.
“And a huge thank you to my wife and children and all my family. Without you by my side throughout, none of this would have been possible.”
Ramsey left out again for Wales’ World Cup play-offs. Have we seen the last of Wales and ex-Arsenal star Ramsey?