Sports
Ex-Arsenal Star Aaron Ramsey Retires from Football at 35
Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35.
The ex-Wales captain made the announcement on Tuesday, bringing an end to a distinguished career that saw him play for top clubs across Europe, including Juventus, OGC Nice, and Cardiff City. He had been without a club since leaving Mexican side Pumas UNAM late last year.
Ramsey’s decision follows a challenging period marked by injuries and reduced playing time, with his last appearance for Wales coming in 2024. He was also absent from the squad that lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a recent World Cup qualifier, ending his hopes of featuring again on football’s biggest stage.
Describing the decision as difficult, Ramsey expressed gratitude for his career in an emotional message shared on social media.
“It hasn’t been an easy decision, but after careful thought, I’ve decided to retire,” he said.
He paid tribute to the Welsh national team, describing it as a privilege to represent his country and thanking fans famously known as the “Red Wall” for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Ramsey also extended appreciation to the clubs, managers, and staff who played key roles in his career, acknowledging their contributions to his success.
The midfielder was a central figure in Wales’ historic run to the semi-finals of the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and featured in subsequent major tournaments, including the 2021 Euros and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
During his club career, Ramsey enjoyed notable success, winning multiple trophies including FA Cups in England, a Serie A title in Italy, and domestic honours in Scotland with Rangers.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy had earlier described Ramsey as one of the greatest players to represent the country, highlighting his influence both on and off the pitch.
Ramsey leaves the game as one of Wales’ most accomplished footballers, with a legacy defined by talent, resilience, and memorable moments at the highest level.
Arsenal qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League, despite playing a goalless draw with Sporting on Wednesday night.
The Gunners had won the first leg 1-0 in Portugal thanks to Kai Havertz’s late winner.
At the Emirates, the chances were far and few as both teams hit the woodwork but failed to score.
Arsenal will now play Atletico Madrid, who eliminated Barcelona.
In the other quarter-final, Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid 4-3 at the Allianz Arena.
The Bundesliga champions had won the first leg 1-0 at the Bernabeu.
Bayern Munich will play Paris Saint-Germain for a place in the final.
Football superstar Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association are facing a lawsuit in the United States over allegations of fraud and breach of contract linked to two Argentina exhibition matches held in October.
A Miami-based sports and entertainment company, VID, filed the suit in Florida, claiming it paid about $7 million for exclusive rights to stage Argentina friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, with the expectation that Messi would feature in both games.
According to the filing, Messi was contractually required to play at least 30 minutes in each match unless he was injured. However, the company alleges he did not take part in either game, instead watching from the stands during at least one of the fixtures.
Reports say Messi attended the match in Miami but did not play, choosing to remain available for his club commitments with Inter Miami the following day. The second fixture against Puerto Rico was also moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, a change the promoters say led to significant financial losses, reportedly over $1 million.
VID further claims the AFA had promised compensation through a future friendly match in China in 2026, which never materialised.
The company is now seeking damages, alleging it suffered heavy financial losses due to unmet contractual expectations.
This is not the first time Messi’s absence from promotional matches has triggered legal action, as similar disputes have previously emerged involving ticketing and advertising expectations around his participation.
Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid have qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League.
This follows the completion of the quarter-final second legs on Tuesday.
In the first game, PSG travelled to Liverpool with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.
Although there were no goals in the first half, Ousmane Dembele netted twice after the break as the holders progressed into the final four.
At the Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico qualified for the semi-final despite losing 2-1.
Diego Simeone’s men had won 2-0 at the Nou Camp and at home, Ademola Lookman’s goal proved crucial after Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres levelled the tie on aggregate/
PSG will face the winner of Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid, while Atletico Madrid await the winner of Arsenal vs Sporting.
UCL: Real Madrid, Sporting out as Bayern Munich, Arsenal reach semi-finals
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