{"id":3228,"date":"2026-04-07T11:31:39","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T11:31:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=3228"},"modified":"2026-04-07T11:31:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T11:31:39","slug":"former-arsenal-star-aaron-ramsey-announces-retirement-after-glittering-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=3228","title":{"rendered":"Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey announces retirement after glittering career"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_32b220\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from professional football<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33726017\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33726017.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_JS171827209.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33726017.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_JS171827209.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33726017.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_JS171827209.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33726017.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_JS171827209.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has retired from football.\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has retired from football.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from professional football. The central midfielder has called time on a distinguished career that saw him play a pivotal part in Wales&#8217; journey to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, earning a spot in UEFA&#8217;s team of the tournament.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He also netted the decisive goal in two FA Cup finals with Arsenal, where he spent over a decade. The 35-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Mexican side Pumas in December, having not featured for the club since September.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A combination of limited first-team action and injury issues meant the midfielder had <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/sport\/football\/football-news\/aaron-ramsey-quits-football-immediate-33725698\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">not donned the Welsh jersey since September 2024.<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Watch Sporting CP vs Arsenal for free<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33697816.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Prime-Champions-Leaguejfif.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-price-details__OpMC_\">\n<p>\u00a38.99<\/p>\n<p>\u00a30<\/p>\n<p>Amazon<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"AffiliateContent_content-buy-btn__xWiVO buy-btn\" aria-label=\"Buy button\" href=\"https:\/\/primevideo-eu.pxf.io\/c\/344386\/1978462\/20021?subId1=FootballLondon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Get Amazon Prime here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Arsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals where they face <!-- -->Sporting CP on April 7<!-- -->. <!-- -->Fans can watch the game for free with an Amazon Prime subscription or 30-day trial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The ex-Gunners midfielder had previously expressed his desire to represent Wales at this summer&#8217;s World Cup should they secure qualification &#8211; a dream dashed by the recent loss to Bosnia. As a result, Ramsey &#8211; who kicked off his career with Cardiff City &#8211; has decided to hang up his boots.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;This has not been an easy decision to make,&#8221; Ramsey said. &#8220;After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!<\/strong><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AFCFootball.London#\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"> <\/strong><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><u>Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;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&#8217;t thank you enough. We&#8217;ve been through everything together and it&#8217;s been an honour to represent you. Diolch.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;Secondly, thank you to all the clubs I&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;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.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-30196900\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"30196900\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey in action for Cardiff City \" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article30196900.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Aaron-Ramsey.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article30196900.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_Aaron-Ramsey.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article30196900.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_Aaron-Ramsey.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article30196900.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Aaron-Ramsey.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey in action for Cardiff City\u00a0\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey in action for Cardiff City <cite aria-label=\"Image: (Photo by Athena Pictures\/Getty Images)\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: (Photo by Athena Pictures\/Getty Images))<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Ramsey progressed through Cardiff&#8217;s academy system, becoming the club&#8217;s youngest-ever debutant when he featured in 2007 aged just 16.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">After contributing to their journey to the FA Cup final in 2008, he secured a move to Arsenal, where he enjoyed the most successful period of his career, making 369 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 64 goals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Subsequent stints with Juventus, Rangers and Nice followed &#8211; before returning to Cardiff prior to his final transfer to Mexico.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">His international career with Wales was illustrious. Having earned his Wales debut in 2008, he accumulated 86 caps for his nation &#8211; featuring in two European Championships and a World Cup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He also turned out for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from professional football Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has retired from football. Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from professional football. The central midfielder has called time on a distinguished career that saw him play a pivotal part in Wales&#8217; journey to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3229,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3228","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arsenal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3228","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3228"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3228\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3229"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3228"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3228"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3228"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}