Aaron Ramsey has agreed to sign for Mexican club "Pumas UNAM", turning down the opportunity to become Cardiff City's permanent manager. The 34-year-old Welsh midfielder is set to become the first high-profile British player to compete in the Mexican league.
"There's a lot to play for and that World Cup is a massive carrot being dangled," Ramsey stated back in April, highlighting his desire to continue his playing career.
The former Arsenal and Juventus player had been heavily tipped to take the managerial reins at "Cardiff City" following his interim period in charge at the end of last season. Bookmakers had even made him the favorite for the position. However, Ramsey has opted to cross the Atlantic instead.
Interestingly, Ramsey returned to his boyhood club Cardiff in 2023, but injuries significantly limited his playing time. He's currently recovering from hamstring surgery but clearly hasn't given up on his playing ambitions.
"Pumas UNAM" finished sixth in the 2024-25 Mexican standings and qualified for the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Reports from Mexico initially suggested Ramsey had entered "advanced talks" with the Guadalajara-based side before the deal was all but confirmed.
Despite his efforts as interim manager for Cardiff's final three Championship games after Omer Riza's dismissal, Ramsey couldn't prevent the club's relegation to the third tier. Now "Cardiff City" must look elsewhere for their next manager, with Des Buckingham, Brian Barry-Murphy and Ian Evatt reportedly among the candidates.
Will Ramsey's Mexican adventure rejuvenate his career and secure his place in Wales' World Cup squad? That remains the big question as he embarks on this unexpected chapter.
