New Delhi, April 8 -- Former Wales and Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey announced his retirement from soccer on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old Ramsey has been without a club since leaving Mexican team Pumas last year after a brief, injury-hampered stint in which he missed league matches and several training sessions while looking for his lost dog.

"This has not been an easy decision to make. After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football," Ramsey said in a statement as he also thanked the supporters of Wales and the clubs he represented in his career.

Ramsey is regarded as one of Wales' greatest players, scoring 21 goals in 86 appearances and representing his country at three major tournaments.

He helped Wales reach the...