Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career.
The ex-Wales national football team captain had been without a club since leaving Pumas UNAM last year and is expected to move into coaching.
Ramsey bows out as one of Wales’ most influential modern players, scoring 21 goals in 86 appearances and featuring in three major tournaments.
He was central to the country’s historic run to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016, earning a place in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament. He later appeared at UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Wales’ first appearance at the finals in 64 years.
The midfielder began his senior career with Cardiff City before sealing a move to Arsenal in 2008. During 11 years in north London, he won three FA Cup titles and scored the winning goal in two finals.
He later played for Juventus and OGC Nice, and had a loan spell with Rangers, helping them reach the UEFA Europa League final in 2022, where he missed a penalty in the shoot-out. Ramsey also returned to Cardiff later in his career and briefly served as interim head coach.
He joined Pumas in a bid to stay fit for a possible World Cup appearance this summer, but after failing to secure a new club since leaving Mexico, the midfielder has opted to step away from playing.
In a message to supporters, Ramsey wrote: “This has not been an easy decision to make. After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football.
“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 who 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.”
