AARON RAMSEY has been released by Cardiff, paving the way for his shock move to Mexico.
The Wales captain, 34, is believed to have agreed a deal to sign for Mexican side Club Universidad Nacional – known as Pumas UNAM after he opted not to take up the option of an extra year on his contract.
Ramsey was Bluebirds interim boss for the final three Championship games of last season after the Welsh club sacked Omer Riza, but the midfielder was unable to prevent relegation to League One.
Cardiff, who are close to announcing Leicester assistant Brian Barry-Murphy, 46, as their new manager, said of Ramsey: “Aaron will leave the Bluebirds this summer.
“The Welsh captain rejoined his childhood club during the summer of 2023, before taking up the role of caretaker manager for the final three games of the 2024/25 campaign. Aaron departs Cardiff City Stadium with our best wishes.”
Ex-Arsenal and Juventus star Ramsey had an injury-ravaged second spell at Cardiff, starting just 15 games in two years.
But the playmaker is keen to keep playing and remains determined to lead Wales at the 2026 World Cup next summer if they qualify.
Craig Bellamy’s men lost 4-3 to Belgium in Brussels on Monday night, leaving them second in Group J heading into the autumn.
TWO women died after being rescued from popular wild swimming pools in Snowdonia last night.
North Wales Police said the women were found in Nant Gwynant valley, in Eryri National Park, Wales.
Officers rushed to the scene at 9.30pm after one woman was pulled from the water.
Another was in the pools on the Watkin path nearby – one of the six main routes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa.
She was also rescued from the water but tragically both women died at the scene.
The large, deep Watkin Path pools are a very popular wild swimming spot due to the clear water and beautiful waterfalls.
The Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, air ambulance and Coastguard helicopter all attended the scene.
An investigation into the deaths is underway and the coroner has been informed.
A North Wales Police spokesperson said: “Police were called at 21:31hrs following a report that one female had been pulled from the water, and another was reported to be in the water at the pools on the Watkin Path.
“The Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team were dispatched to the area along with North Wales Police, the Air Ambulance and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.
“The second female was pulled from the water, however, despite the best efforts of all involved both were pronounced dead at the scene.”
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Gibson added: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families and friends of both women.
“An investigation to establish what happened is now underway.
“We are appealing for anyone who may have been walking in or around the Watkin Path area between 6pm and 9pm last night, they are urged to contact North Wales Police via the website or by calling 101 quoting reference number 25000480868.”
SAM Thompson was spotted smiling at Zara McDermott’s new boyfriend Louis Tomlinson as they came face to face for the first time at Soccer Aid training today.
Former Made In Chelsea star Sam and One Direction‘ star’s Louis are taking part in this year’s charity match for Unicef and showed there are no hard feelings between them.
Sam, 32, was spotted smiling as he looked over at Louis, 33, as they got to work on the pitch.
Standing close by the lads appeared to exchanged a few words as they donned their kit for the first time.
The pair both on the same England team and were in good spirits as they arrived at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Louis, who has been dating Zara since April, had a huge grin on his face as he made his way to the football ground.
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Wearing a bottle green coloured jacket, he smiled at photographers who were ready and waiting to snap this year’s celebrities.
Last week, Sam – who split with Zara after five years in December – completed a gruelling 260-mile endurance challenge for Soccer Aid.
The former Made In Chelsea star ran and cycled from Stamford Bridge in London to Old Trafford to deliver the Soccer Aid football.
Despite suffering from a torn calf during his gruelling journey, Sam is still expected to join Louis and the rest of the England squad on the pitch on Sunday.
Last month, Sam was left squirming as he was grilled about playing football with Louis by his best mate, Pete Wicks.
Speaking on their podcast Staying Relevant, Pete said: “How are you feeling? You’re playing again. Must be really exciting.”
He then added with a grin: “How do you feel about the line-up? Do you think you’ve got a strong team?”
Sam awkwardly laughed and replied: “Got a really strong team.”
Not giving up, Pete pressed further: “Any kind of people in there who you’re looking forward to playing with?”
Still dodging the real question, Sam joked: “Loads. Tom Grennan. I’m really looking forward to playing alongside Wayne Rooney.
“Tyson Fury’s the manager. I can’t wait.”
Sensing the tension, Pete smirked and said about boxer Tyson: “I mean, that’s going to be f***ing amazing.
“Make sure you get him on side, though, because you may need him in your corner in case you fall out with anyone.
“Not that you will, but just in case there’s any rivalries or anything.”
Pete added pointedly: “You know, you have to train together and it’s a lot, you know, when you’re kind of in close quarters with someone like that. All sorts gets brought up. Anyway…”
Despite his obvious heartbreak over his split with former Love Island star Zara, Sam has reportedly said there are “no hard feelings” between him and singer Louis.
A source previously told the Mail: “Sam has no hard feelings towards Louis, that’s for sure.
“As far as he’s concerned, Louis is Zara’s new man and he’s just got to accept it.”
The source insisted Sam was refusing to “wallow in self pity”.
