One major worry for ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey as Welshman opens new chapter in Mexico with Pumas UNAM
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Updated 04/07/2025 at 12:41 GMT+1
Aaron Ramsey said he "can't wait" to turn out for his new side Pumas UNAM, but he may be in for a steep learning curve as the former Arsenal midfielder prepares for the new Liga MX season. The Welshman's new home ground, the Estadio Olimpico Universitario, is located over 2,000m higher than his previous stomping grounds. And there are World Cup 2026 implications too.
'Expectation to win' - Ramsey 'excited' to join Mexican club Pumas
Video credit: SNTV
Aaron Ramsey is opening a new chapter in his 19-year senior career, but there is one thing concerning the Welshman.
The 34-year-old's new club, Pumas UNAM, play at the 69,000-capacity Estadio Olimpico Universitario in Mexico City. The catch? It is located 2,291m above sea level.
Nor is it the highest stadium in Mexico's top flight, with Toluca playing their home matches at an altitude of 2,691m.
"The altitude is something I have that I definitely have to get used to," Ramsey said at a media conference. "I am doing well at the moment.
"I need to take the next steps and hopefully I will be on the pitch as soon as possible to help my team-mates. I hope it will be very soon."
It will be a big step up for Ramsey, who most recently called the Cardiff City Stadium his home, a ground sitting just 7m above sea level.
For comparison, the highest stadium in England is The Hawthorns at 168m and Ramsey's former club Juventus played at an altitude of 280m.
This will also be a concern for World Cup teams who will travel to Mexico City, with the nearby Estadio Azteca playing host to the tournament's curtain-raiser.
High altitude has been known to affect footballers in the past, particularly in places like La Paz, Bolivia.
In April, Chelsea forward Estevao Willian scored on his 18th birthday in a 3-2 Copa Libertadores win over Bolivar, but vomited in the second half before being substituted as he struggled to deal with the 3,650m-altitude Estadio Hernando Siles.
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"It took me a while to get used to it and unfortunately I couldn't continue," Estevao said. "It was really a matter of the altitude. It's surreal here."
But the altitude is not the only challenge Ramsey will face in his new surroundings - the Welshman knows he will have to keep his level high to compete in the Liga MX.
"This league is very technical, with great players and over the last I’ve really tried to get as much information as I could from certain people and, you know, the internet and things like that," said Ramsey.
"I have had pressure throughout my career. I’ve played for some of the best teams in the world, and there’s an expectation to win.
"I’m sure here is no different. I know what this club can do, and hopefully I can play my part to be successful.
"When this opportunity came up, it was something I was really excited by. I'm looking forward to being involved and playing my part. I'm excited to play and be part of this historic club. I can't wait to get on the pitch.
"I want to get back to enjoying my football again and the rest will come then. I've watched a few of the games in the last few weeks and I've been really impressed.
"There's good quality and some good teams. I'm excited to play a part in this competition."
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