Aaron Ramsey: Former Arsenal and Wales star announces retirement from professional football - 'Not an easy decision to make'
Published 07/04/2026 at 12:31 GMT+1
React to this story
There will be no romantic return to the international stage for Aaron Ramsey, who has announced his retirement from professional football after several months without a club. Ramsey's last appearance for Wales came in a win over Montenegro in the UEFA Nations League in September 2024, his 86th game for his country. He was out of action after leaving Mexican side Pumas UNAM last year.
Highlights: Late drama sees Southampton dump Arsenal out of FA Cup
Video credit: TNT Sports
Former Arsenal midfielder and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has announced his immediate retirement from professional football.
The 35-year-old was without a club after leaving Mexican side Pumas UNAM last year, and he is now expected to move into coaching.
Ramsey was capped 86 times by Wales, scoring 21 goals and starring in his country's unexpected run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
He also featured at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, establishing himself alongside Gareth Bale as one of Wales' best ever players.
At club level, he emerged as a talent with Cardiff City, before joining Arsenal in 2008. He spent 11 years with The Gunners and won three FA Cups, scoring the winning goal in two finals.
Ramsey was a marquee signing for Juventus in the summer of 2019 after his Arsenal contract expired, but he struggled to make an impact in Italy.
He had a brief spell on loan at Rangers in 2022, before joining French side Nice, then returning to boyhood club Cardiff in 2023.
Ramsey, who was dogged by injuries in the final years of his career, admitted the decision to retire was a difficult one.
”This has not been an easy decision to make. After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football," he wrote.
"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.
- Vinicius opens up on Alonso rift at Real Madrid and reveals contract decision
- How wing wizards Vinicius and Olise could decide blockbuster Real v Bayern clash
- 'The ultimate honour' - Maguire signs Man Utd contract extension to 2027
”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."
What do HBO Max and TNT Sports offer?
HBO Max includes the full range of TNT Sports content and live coverage. In 2026, subscribers can stream exclusive matches from the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League, as well as every Gallagher PREM Rugby match, Premiership Women’s Rugby, more than 1,000 live cycling broadcasts each year, including every stage from the Tour de France, every match from the Australian Open and Roland-Garros, every MotoGP, World Superbikes and British Superbikes race, plus the World Snooker Tour, the winter sports season, Speedway GP, Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 and much more.
With an unchanged price of ÂŁ30.99 per month for TNT Sports on launch, the service offers subscribers a standalone TNT Sports plan or ability to purchase alongside select HBO Max plans, providing fans with the ultimate sports streaming experience that includes innovative in-app features across key sports and events - putting fans in control of how they watch.
TNT Sports continues to be distributed via existing partners in the UK & Ireland. Fans who subscribe to TNT Sports via partners in the UK can access it on HBO Max.Â
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement