The midfielder has left the club and is set to link up with Mexican side Pumas UNAM
Aaron Ramsey has finally spoken out about his exit from Cardiff City and issued a statement to supporters in which he described his two-year stay as “challenging”.
The 34-year-old is set to sign a one-year deal with Mexican club PUMAS UNAM following his release from Cardiff. Ramsey’s contract expires next week, with the player having decided not to exercise a one-year trigger to his playing deal — a decision that came after protracted and advanced discussions about him potentially becoming the club’s new permanent manager.
Ramsey took charge of Cardiff’s final three games of the 2024/25 Championship campaign in an interim role following the sacking of Omer Riza. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community
Despite discussions over being handed the job permanently, that never materialised.
Then a bombshell report emerged that he would quit the Welsh capital in favour of a move to the Mexican city, a story which really took supporters by surprise.
Cardiff, subsequently, then moved to appoint former Manchester City EDS and Rochdale boss Brian Barry-Murphy as their new head coach.
A return to boyhood club Cardiff had been seen as a sentimental final chapter in his playing career, but after an injury-ravaged two years, Ramsey’s latest spell in the Welsh capital saw so much excitement left unfulfilled.
The midfielder managed just 23 games in all competitions across two seasons as fitness struggles really took their toll.
And that, as well as relegation, has seen Ramsey feel “a lot of different emotions”.
In a statement to supporters, he said: “I leave Cardiff City with a lot of different emotions.
“Although it has been personally challenging at times I made sure to give my all on and off the pitch for this wonderful club that is so close to my heart.
“For now I am on a new adventure but I will be keeping a close eye on the club as always and it will forever have my support.
“Good luck to the staff and all the players for the upcoming season and a big thank you to the amazing fans! Until next time.”
Ramsey appears determined to continue playing at a high level in a bid to lead Wales to the World Cup in North America next summer, despite not having played for his country since last September.
With Mexico one of the host nations for the 2026 tournament — alongside the USA and Canada — a move to Pumas signals the midfielder’s intent to be visible and gain match sharpness ahead of what is likely to be his final major international tournament, should Wales qualify. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.