Ex-Arsenal midfielder Ramsey retires at 35

AFP | London

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Former Wales captain and Arsenal regular Aaron Ramsey announced his retirement from football at the age of 35 yesterday.

The midfielder, who spent over a decade in London with Arsenal before spells at Juventus, Nice and Cardiff, has been without a club since leaving Mexican side Pumas at the end of last year.

A combination of injuries and limited match time meant Ramsey won the last of his 86 Wales caps in 2024 and he was overlooked for his nation’s agonising penalty shoot-out loss to Bosnia and Hercegovina in a World Cup qualifier last month.

Defeat in that game ended any hopes Ramsey had of bowing out on football’s biggest stage.

“This has not been an easy decision to make,” he said on Instagram.

“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 (Wales fans). 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 (thank you).