The story may seem surreal. However, it is authentic. A former OGC Nice player has just terminated his contract with his current club to return to the United Kingdom. The reason? The tragic disappearance of his dog. A loss which plunged the player and his family into such dismay that he was unable to continue his adventure in Mexico. Completely devastated, distracted, unable to concentrate on football, the Welsh international decided to stop everything to return home. A personal drama that highlights the deep attachment that some players have with their pets.
The former Nice resident who left everything because of his dog
Aaron Ramsey is the footballer in question. The former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder, who moved to Nice in 2023, has ended his contract with the Mexico Pumas. Arriving last July for one season, the 34-year-old Welshman was expected to bring his experience to the Mexican championship. He became the first high-profile British player to play in Liga MX. But his adventure was cut short. Six appearances, just one goal, repeated injuries. And above all, a family tragedy that changed everything: the disappearance of Halo, her ten-year-old beagle, last October.
Halo disappeared near a shelter in Guanajuato. Ramsey offered a substantial reward of £15,000 (about $19,700) for anyone who returned his dog. But the searches turned up nothing. The player and his family remained unanswered, devastated by this loss. According to several sources, the emotional toll was such that Ramsey became “completely distracted.” Impossible to concentrate on training, matches, the daily life of professional football. Halo’s disappearance precipitated his departure.
Aaron Ramsey returns to UK after losing his dog
The coach confirms the difficulties
Pumas coach Efrain Juarez confirmed the problems after the 1-1 draw against Club Leon. “ We are monitoring the situation. He deals with his problem, which we all know, with his dog. There was also a problem before his departure during the FIFA break. We’ll see what happens in the coming days. »
A polite way to announce the end of Ramsey’s Mexican adventure. The player is now free from any contract and is looking for a new club in the United Kingdom.
Aaron Ramsey remains a respected player. Craig Bellamy, Wales coach, recently called him up and praised him: “When I watch his first match, he was huge. He has the brains and it will never go away. He is a player that I admire enormously. » Having played for Arsenal (three FA Cups), Juventus (one Scudetto), Rangers, Nice and Cardiff, Ramsey is now looking for a new challenge. But this time, he will stay close to home. To never relive such a tragedy again.
