Wales captain Aaron Ramsey says he is “excited by the challenge” having completed his move to Mexican side Club Universidad Nacional, known as Pumas UNAM.
It is understood Ramsey has joined the Mexico City-based club on a one-year deal and becomes the first high-profile British player to play in the Mexican league.
The 34-year-old shares the same agent as Pumas manager Efrain Juarez and says the former Celtic player – who is just three years older than the Welshman – was key to his signing.
“I had many conversations with him,” said Ramsey.
“What he’s done in his young career so far has been exceptional. The vision and the values this club have really excited me and was something I wanted to be a part of so I’m excited by the next chapter.”
Ramsey was appointed Cardiff interim manager for the final three games of the 2024-25 Championship season after the club sacked Omer Riza.
But he was unable to prevent relegation to League One and his departure from the club was confirmed in June with Ramsey posting on social media that he had left League One-bound City with “a lot of different emotions”.
The Caerphilly-born player made just eight league appearance for the Bluebirds last season as injuries, not for the first time in his career, restricted his game time.
He has not been fit to feature for Wales since September 2024 and has not played any football since March as he prepares to cope with the the altitude and smog of Mexico City.
“The altitude is definitely something to get used to,” said Ramsey.
“I’m doing well and the moment, now it’s about taking the next steps and hopefully I’ll be on that pitch as soon as possible helping my teammates.
“I don’t want to put a date on it but hopefully very soon.”
Ramsey, who has made it clear he wants to continue his playing career and lead Wales at the World Cup next summer, joins a Pumas side who finished sixth in the 2024-25 Mexican standings and qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup.
“I’ve played with some players who understand the Mexican league and had conversations in the past with them, this league is very technical, great players have been produced, the national team is very good,” added the former Arsenal, Juventus and Nice player.
“In the last few weeks I’ve tried to get as much information as I could from certain people and the internet to find out more, but I’m excited about it.
“I’ve had pressure throughout my career, played for some of the best teams in the world and there’s an expectation to win and I’m sure here is no different.
“I’ve spent a period of time in my career without winning things but managed to overcome that and win so I know what this club is capable of doing and hopefully I can play my part to be successful and lift some silverware.”
Pumas last won the title in Mexico in 2011, prior to its rebrand as Liga MX, but Ramsey is undaunted by the 14-year wait for a trophy.
“I’m really excited by the challenge,” he said.
“I’ve experienced a lot of things in my career and that puts me in a good place going forward.
“I realise the expectation on this club and I’m here to play my part and help deliver the thigs we want to this season. So there’s loads to look forward to and I’m excited by the next challenge.”