Sports
Ex-Arsenal Star Aaron Ramsey Retires from Football at 35
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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.
World football governing body, FIFA, has made a key video assistant referee, VAR decision ahead of the much exected World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina.
The match will be played in Atlanta on Wednesday.
FIFA has opted to deploy an on-site VAR team for this high-profile encounter.
Previously, the VAR team had been functioning from a central hub located at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas, regardless of the venue of each match.
However, for this particular game, the on-site officials will act as a backup in the event of any technical or communication difficulties.
Dan Hunt, a member of the Organising Committee, elaborated on the decision to have VAR operate on-site for the second semi-final as reported by Sport Bible.
He said, “There is a significant amount of drama that occurs during these matches. Moreover, when only four officials are tasked with overseeing the action on a field that is considerably larger than an American football field, it becomes quite challenging
“I am pleased that there will be on-site officials. I am uncertain about how the communication will be managed.”
FIFA has faced considerable criticism for the inconsistent VAR decisions throughout the tournament, with the defending champions Argentina benefiting from favorable calls without any against them, while England has experienced the opposite, resulting in a net negative outcome.
Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, has reacted to the Les Bleus’ World Cup semi-final 2-0 defeat to Spain.
Henry said that the La Roja were far superior to France during the encounter.
Spain defeated France on Tuesday to qualify for the World Cup final, thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
“Too little from France at the end of the day. Spain controlled the game on and off the ball,” Henry said on Fox Sports.
“They showed why they are European champions, they are showing why they are going into the final.
“Nothing to add, they were far superior, and there is nothing to say about it. Spain, congratulations. you deserves to go to the final,” he said.
Nigeria’s sprint star, Favour Ashe, says he is mentally and physically prepared for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as Team Nigeria intensifies preparations for the multi-sport event, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 100m and 4x100m relay specialist, popularly known as “The Nigerian Nightmare”, said the national team’s training camp has played a key role in sharpening the athletes’ readiness ahead of the Games.
“Coming into the Commonwealth Games, I would say my mental is in the right spot. I’m ready mentally and physically. This training camp has been a huge boost for the athletes and has put us in a better mental space. So, yes, I would say I’m ready for the Commonwealth Games,” Ashe said.
The sprinter also urged Nigerians to rally behind Team Nigeria throughout the competition.
“I want Nigerians to support us—not just me, but every athlete representing the country. Family and friends should continue to encourage us and support us in every way they can. Thank you so much,” he added.
Ashe’s confidence comes as the Federal Government unveiled a financial reward package for medal winners at the Games.
National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade announced that gold medallists will receive $3,000, silver medallists $2,000 and bronze medallists $1,500, while coaches of medal-winning athletes will earn performance bonuses of $5,000. He also confirmed that the payment of camp allowances has commenced to ensure athletes are fully motivated ahead of the competition.
Nigeria is expected to field a strong contingent in Glasgow, including world record holder Tobi Amusan, sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi, shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, para-powerlifting champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo and several other elite athletes competing across athletics, boxing, cycling, swimming, weightlifting and para sports.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, with about 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing in 10 sports.
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