The midfielder also had spells with Cardiff City and Juventus
Former Rangers midfielder Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from professional football.
In a career that spanned two decades, Ramsey has made the decision to hang up his boots at the age of 35. The announcement comes after he’s spent the last six months without a club, having had his contract terminated at Mexican side, UNAM.
The Welshman started his senior career as a teenager at Cardiff City before moving to Arsenal in 2008, where he made his name. After over a decade at the Emirates, Ramsey would make the European switch to Italian giants Juventus, who farmed him out to Rangers on loan in 2022. He would latterly move to OGN Nice before returning to Cardiff towards the end of his career. At International level, he scored 21 goals for Wales in 86 appearances, helping the side reach two European Championships and a World Cup.
Having won the FA Cup three times with Arsenal and the Serie A title with Juventus, Ramsey came to Rangers with a big reputation as crowds gathered outside Ibrox for his unveiling. During his short-term spell in Govan, he made 13 appearances, scored in an Old Firm derby and helped the side to Scottish Cup glory. However, he will also be remembered for missing the crucial penalty in Rangers’ Europa League final defeat to Frankfurt in Seville.
Ramsey retirement statement
Upon his retirement, Ramsey took the opportunity to thank ‘all the clubs’ he played for including Rangers. He also paid tribute to the Welsh National Team, where he enjoyed some of his career highlights. His statement read: "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 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."
Reaction to Ramsey retirement
A Welsh FA statement read: “Cymru legend Aaron Ramsey has called time on his playing career at the age of 35 having been an integral part of the golden generation that made international history. Ramsey made 86 appearances for Cymru and represented his country at three major tournaments, scoring 21 goals during a senior international career that spanned 16 years. A world-class talent, Ramsey played almost 550 competitive club games despite the injury problems that ultimately prevented him from becoming a Cymru centurion.”
Arsenal also paid tribute to Ramsey via X upon the announcement. The club posted a video of some his best moments in an Arsenal shirt since being signed by Arsene Wenger as a teenager, simply captioned ‘thank you Rambo’.
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