Former Wales captain and Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has retired from football with immediate effect at the age of 35.
Ramsey represented Wales at three major tournaments and was outstanding in their run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals. At club level, he won three FA Cups with Arsenal and scored the winning goal in two of those finals.
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Having also played for boyhood club Cardiff City, Juventus, Rangers and Nice, Ramsey had most recently been with Mexican club Pumas in the hope of appearing at this summer’s World Cup. But Wales failed to qualify, and Ramsey has now called time on his playing career.
“This has not been an easy decision to make. After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football,” Ramsey, who scored 21 goals in 86 appearances for his country, said in a statement.
“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.
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“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.
(Getty Images)
“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.”
Having made his international debut as a 17-year-old in 2008, Ramsey would be part of the Welsh golden generation that qualified for Euro 2016, Euro 2022 and the 2022 World Cup following a 58-year wait to play at a major tournament.
The midfielder was named in Uefa’s team of the tournament at Euro 2016 as Wales reached the semi-finals. He starred in the memorable 3-1 victory over Belgium in the quarter-finals but was then suspended for the semi-final defeat to Portugal.
Ramsey scored the winner in two FA Cup victories for Arsenal, in 2014 and 2017 (Getty Images)
Ramsey also wrote his name into Arsenal folklore by scoring the winning goal 11 minutes from time in the Gunners’ 3-2 victory over Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup final, which ended a nine-year wait for a trophy.
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Ramsey then scored the winner at Wembley three years later as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 to win the 2017 FA Cup final, with a further FA Cup won in 2015. He was twice named Arsenal’s player of the season in his 11 years at the club before joining Juventus in 2019.
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