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Former Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from football, at the age of 35.

Ramsey, who was born in Caerphilly and attended Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, will go down as one of Wales’ greatest ever players – having starred in a golden era for Welsh football.

The midfielder earned 86 caps for his country, scoring 21 goals in an international career that saw him star as Wales reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 – the first time Wales played at a major tournament since 1958.

He also played at Euro 2020, where Wales reached the knock-out phase, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He also played for Cardiff City, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Juventus, Nice, and Pumas UNAM.

‘Privilege’

Announcing his retirement on Tuesday April 7, Ramsey said: “This has not been an east 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 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.”

Career

Ramsey began his career at Cardiff City, where he came up through the academy – before leaving to join Arsenal in 2008 aged just 17.

Despite a positive start to life under Arsene Wenger, Ramsey broke his fibula and tibula following a challenge from Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross in early 2010 – forcing him to endure a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

As he made his return, Ramsey joined then-Championship side Nottingham Forest on loan in November 2010, and then rejoined Cardiff in January 2011 for a one-month loan spell before heading back to his parent club.

In total, he spent 11 years with the Gunners, leaving the club in 2019 after making 371 appearances and scoring 65 goals. During which time, he was regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

During his time at Arsenal, he lifted the FA Cup three times, scoring the winning goals in the 2014 and 2017 finals.

He then joined Juventus in summer 2019, where he would go on to win a Serie A title, a Coppa Italia, and a Supercoppa Italia.

He left Turin in summer 2022, having spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Rangers. During his time in Glasgow, Rangers reached the Europa League final – but Ramsey missed a penalty in the shootout defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt.

He then made a surprise move to France to join OGC Nice, where he spent a season before returning to Cardiff City. However, his return was marred by injuries, and coincided with a difficult period for the club.

After manager Erol Bulut was sacked early in the 2024/25 season, his assistant Omer Riza stepped in to replace him. But with relegation from the Championship staring the club in the face, Riza was sacked with three games remaining – and Ramsey was thrust into the dugout on a caretaker basis.

However, he was unable to save Cardiff from the almost-inevitable drop to League One.

He left the Bluebirds following their relegation and moved across the Atlantic, where he joined Mexican top flight side Pumas UNAM.

However, his time in Mexico was short-lived. His contract was terminated in October after just six appearances, during which time he struggled with match fitness and the disappearance of his pet dog, Halo.