Aaron Ramsey, the esteemed Welsh footballer, is on the verge of embarking on an exciting new chapter in his illustrious 19-year senior career. At 34 years old, he has signed with the Mexican club Pumas UNAM, a team that boasts a significant following and plays its home games at the expansive Estadio Olimpico Universitario, which has a capacity of 69,000 spectators located in Mexico City. However, the elevation of the stadium poses a unique challenge for Ramsey, as it sits at a high altitude of 2,291 meters above sea level.
Interestingly, while this altitude can impact athletes, it is not the most elevated stadium in the Mexican league; that title belongs to Toluca’s home ground, which reaches an impressive 2,691 meters. This context underscores the significant physical change Ramsey will encounter as he transitions from his previous environment, calling the Cardiff City Stadium home, which is only about 7 meters above sea level. In comparison, the highest stadium in England is The Hawthorns, which stands at 168 meters, while Ramsey’s former team, Juventus, has its stadium located at an altitude of 280 meters.
At a media conference, Ramsey openly addressed the concerns that come with such a drastic change in altitude. “The altitude is something I have that I definitely have to get used to,” he expressed. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about acclimatizing to his new surroundings. “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,” he added.
The altitude issue extends beyond Ramsey as it could affect various teams participating in the upcoming World Cup, considering the nearby Estadio Azteca is slated to host the opening match of the tournament. Historically, high altitudes have posed challenges to athletes in various sports, particularly in football, with anecdotal evidence illustrating the difficulties players face in such conditions. For instance, Estevao Willian, a Chelsea forward, once shared his experience playing at the 3,650-meter Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz, Bolivia, where he scored but struggled physically, emphasizing the surreal nature of competing at that height.
Nevertheless, altitude is merely one of several hurdles Ramsey will encounter in Liga MX. He is acutely aware of the high level of skill and technical ability present in the league, recognizing the talents of the players who compete at this level. “This league is very technical, with great players,” he stated. To prepare for this challenge, Ramsey has taken it upon himself to absorb as much information as possible about Liga MX through various sources, including insights from people who have experience in the league and online resources.
Reflecting on his past, Ramsey commented on the immense pressure he has faced throughout his career while playing for elite clubs around the world. “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,” he noted, showing that he understands the responsibilities that come with being a player for such a historic club like Pumas UNAM. He expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, exclaiming, “When this opportunity came up, it was something I was really excited by.”
Eager to contribute positively to his new team, Ramsey anticipated his role within the club structure, keen to play an integral part in their success. “I can’t wait to get on the pitch. I want to get back to enjoying my football again, and the rest will come,” he remarked. Additionally, he has taken the time to observe a few matches from the last several weeks, which has left him impressed with the quality of play and competitive nature of the league. “There’s good quality and some good teams. I’m excited to play a part in this competition,” he concluded, underscoring his readiness to transition smoothly into this vibrant and dynamic football environment.