Super Eagles defender Jamilu Collins has paid tribute to former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey following his retirement from professional football, Soccernet.ng reports.
On Tuesday, April 7, Ramsey announced the end of a storied career spanning 19 years. The Welshman began his journey at Cardiff City before joining Arsenal as a teenager in 2008.
After brief loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Cardiff, he established himself as a mainstay in North London.
Aaron Ramsey at Arsenal. (Photo by Imago)
Ramsey went on to make 369 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, contributing 64 goals and 60 assists.
The 35-year-old also enjoyed a remarkable international career, leading Wales to a historic semi-final finish at Euro 2016. In 2022, he was instrumental in helping his nation reach the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in 64 years.
Since leaving Arsenal, Ramsey had stints at Juventus, Rangers, Nice, Cardiff City, and finally Pumas UNAM. After parting ways with the Mexican club last October, the Welshman remained a free agent before officially deciding to hang up his boots this week.
Collins Reflects on Time With Aaron Ramsey
Jamilu Collins at Aue. Copyright: ImagoxThorstenxTillmann
Following the announcement, Super Eagles star Jamilu Collins took to social media to send his best wishes to his former teammate. The two played together during Ramsey’s final stint at Cardiff City, where they formed a close bond.
On Instagram, Collins wrote:
”Happy retirement, Rambo. It was a pleasure playing alongside you. Respect always. Enjoy your next chapter—you’ve earned it.”
Picture of Aaron Ramsey and Jamilu Collins at Cardiff City. Copyright: Imago
Collins departed Cardiff City last year after a two-year spell and currently plays for Erzgebirge Aue in the German third division.
The 31-year-old defender is a veteran himself, having earned 30 caps for the Super Eagles, though he has not featured for the Nigerian national team since March 2024.
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
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