Cardiff, April 7 – Former Arsenal midfielder and Wales national team captain Aaron Ramsey has decided to end his professional football career, as the country's legendary player announced his retirement on Tuesday.
Ramsey retires as one of Wales' greatest players, scoring 21 goals in 86 matches and representing his country at three major tournaments.
He played a crucial role in Wales' historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, earning a place in the Union of European Football Associations' (UEFA) team of the tournament.
"This has not been an easy decision to make. After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football," Ramsey said in a statement.
"First and foremost, I want to thank Wales. It has been an honour to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments. I could not have achieved this without the incredible support of all the managers and staff who have helped me," he added.
Ramsey also thanked his former club, Arsenal, where he spent 11 years. Ramsey won three FA Cups with the club, scoring the winning goal in two of those finals.
"To the Red Army. 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."
The 35-year-old has been without a club since leaving Mexican outfit Pumas in December, having not played for the club since September. He wanted to represent his country, Wales, in the FIFA World Cup, but the team lost to Bosnia in the qualifiers, ending those hopes.
"Thank you to all the clubs I’ve been lucky enough to play for. Thank you to all the managers and staff who have helped me be able to live my dream and play at the highest level," He said.
"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," he concluded.