Wales captain and former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has retired from professional football with immediate effect.
The 35-year-old, who had been without a club since leaving Mexican side Pumas UNAM last year, is now expected to pursue a career in coaching.
Ramsey retires as one of Wales’ greatest players, scoring 21 goals in 86 appearances and representing his country at three major tournaments.
He played an integral role in Wales’ historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, earning a place in Uefa’s team of the tournament.
Ramsey then played at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, Wales’ first appearance in the finals stage of that competition for 64 years.
The skilful playmaker started his career at Cardiff City before a 2008 move to Arsenal, where he won three FA Cups – scoring the winning goal in two of those finals – during his 11 years with the Gunners.
Ramsey then had spells at Juventus and Nice as well as a loan at Rangers, helping them reach the 2022 Europa League final but missing a penalty in the shootout.
He also had a second stint at boyhood club Cardiff, where he had a short period as interim head coach at the end of last season.
Ramsey joined Pumas in the hope of staying fit enough to be able to play for Wales at this summer’s World Cup had they qualified.
But having failed to find a new club since leaving Mexico, Ramsey has decided to call time on his playing career.