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Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has opened up on what transpired in his final days before his eventual exit from the Emirates.
THE LOWDOWN: CULT HERO
Aaron Ramsey had a fabulous Arsenal career where he scored a couple of important goals and played a part in the Gunners ending their year-long trophy drought.
The Welsh midfielder joined Arsenal in 2008, spent 11 years at the club, and made 371 appearances, scoring 65 goals and contributing 65 assists before leaving for Juventus on a free transfer in 2019.
During his time in North London, he won three FA Cup titles and two community shields with the Gunners and was also Arsenal’s player of the season in 2014 and 2018.
THE LATEST: “I DON’T UNDERSTAND”
Aaron Ramsey has revealed that he has no understanding of how his Arsenal departure came, disclosing that he wanted to remain in north London.
Ramsey reportedly got a £400k a week to secure a move to Turin with many Arsenal fans left disappointed to see him leave despite the club’s improved offer, but according to the 31-year-old, that wasn’t the true story of what happened.
Speaking to The Times, Ramsey explained: “It all happened . . . I agreed to a contract they proposed.
“Things went quiet for a few weeks. I was telling my agent, ‘Let’s do it,’ then all of a sudden the contract was no longer there. So there was nothing to sign or agree.
“It was a difficult start for a few months with Unai. As the season was going on, I was playing more and playing really well. Then January came and I had to make a decision whether I carried on and saw what happened or whether I agreed somewhere.”
Ramsey added: “I decided to do that [move] because there was nothing on the table [from Arsenal]. There was a lot of change with the manager coming.”
“I don’t understand, I still don’t know what exactly happened.
“I have no bad words or bad feelings to Arsenal. They are still a massive part of my life and I still look out for them and I am really glad to see them doing so well. I always have love for Arsenal and that will never change.”
THE VERDICT: THE EARLIER, THE BETTER
When clubs fail to offer new contracts to key players in time, this is usually the result. Ramsey must have been disappointed with how things played out and Arsenal have certainly learned their lessons.
More reason as to why they need to sort out the contract situation of those nearing their final 12 months in the squad, especially that of Bukayo Saka. Arsenal can achieve more great things when players of quality stay at the club.
