Aaron Ramsey had been the bookmakers’ favourite to become the next permanent Cardiff City manager, but instead he will continue his playing career a long way from Wales.
The 34-year-old returned to Cardiff for a third stint in 2023, signing a two-year deal after a brief spell with French club Nice.
The Bluebirds struggled in the Championship last season and after manager Omer Riza was dismissed in April, Ramsey was appointed interim manager for the final three games of the season.
He could do nothing to stop Cardiff slipping into League One, finishing bottom of the Championship as they won just nine of their 46 league games.
Despite this, Ramsey was being strongly linked with taking the job on a permanent basis, with the bookmakers considering him favourite for the role.
There has been a surprising turn of events, though, as Ramsey will not only turn away from the chance to manage Cardiff, but he will extend his playing career in Mexico.
PA report that the former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder has agreed to sign for Pumas, officially known as Club Universidad Nacional.
Ramsey and Pumas manager Efrain Juarez share the same agent.
The 86-cap Wales international made just eight Championship appearances for Cardiff last season and 10 in all competitions.
Hamstring injuries hampered his campaign significantly after a knee problem had limited him to just 13 appearances in the previous campaign.
Injuries have been an issue for the Welshman over his career, but will hope to stay fit and enjoy a surprise swansong in Mexico City.
Ramsey will be the only British player in the Pumas squad and only the second European after Spaniard Ruben Duarte.
Ramsey began his professional career with Cardiff when he became the club’s youngest ever player by making his debut in 2007.
He signed for Arsenal the following year and went on to make 369 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 64 goals and winning three FA Cups.
The midfielder moved to Juventus on a free transfer in 2019, earning reported £400,000-a-week wages and he won Serie A in his first season with the Old Lady.
Aaron Ramsey’s major trophies
Arsenal
FA Cup: 2013-14, 2014-15, 2016-17
Juventus
Serie A: 2019-20
Coppa Italia: 2020-21
Rangers
Scottish Cup: 2021-22
However, he would only make 70 appearances for the Turin giants before leaving for Nice in 2022 after a loan spell with Rangers.
His return to Cardiff in 2023 was his third spell with the Bluebirds as he also had a loan stint back in Wales during his Arsenal days.
Ramsey’s three games in interim charge returned two draws and a loss, with Cardiff finishing rock bottom of the Championship.