Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from professional football aged 35.
The former Arsenal star – who won the FA Cup three times during his 11-year spell with the Gunners – has been without a club since ending his short stint with Mexican outfit Pumas last year.
Ramsey took to Instagram to confirm he is beginning ‘the next chapter’ of his life.
‘This has not been an easy decision to make,’ he began. ‘After a lot of consideration, I hve decided to retire from football.’
Ramsey thanked his national team, Wales, for their support during his 86-cap career, as well as the seven clubs he represented.
‘And a huge thank you to my wife and children and all my family,’ he added. ‘Without you by my side throughout, none of this would have been possible.’
Ramsey made just six appearances for Mexican side Pumas last year before mutually agreeing to end his contract and return home.
The Welshman’s beloved pet dog Halo went missing during the family’s stay in Mexico, when she disappeared in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato on October 9.
Halo was wearing a tracking collar when she went missing near a dog shelter, with Ramsey sharing the location on Google Maps and urging locals to help.
He had initially offered a $10,000 reward for information, but, with no progress after a week, he increased the figure to $20,000 (£15,000). That was to no avail as the family went home without the dog.
His wife Colleen said at the time of the dog’s disappearance that she had ‘serious questions’ about the disappearance and feared they ‘may never get answers’.
She added: ‘We still haven’t found Halo. I don’t think we ever will.’
Ramsey began his career at Cardiff City before being signed by legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
He played 369 games for the Gunners, scoring 64 goals. He was part of the team that lost out in the Europa League final to Chelsea in 2019.
Upon his departure, he signed for Juventus, where he won Serie A and made 70 appearances, scoring six goals.
Ramsey went on to play for Nice, Rangers, Cardiff and Pumas before Tuesday’s announcement.
He will still be keeping fit in retirement and is due to run this year’s TCS London Marathon on April 26.
