Football News

Aaron Ramsey: Arsenal privately explained why they withdrew my contract offer

By Mohamed Moallim

Published: 16:05, 4 October 2019

Aaron Ramsey has revealed that he spoke privately with Arsenal about why they withdrew his new contract offer.

The 28-year-old Welsh midfielder ended an 11-year association with the Gunners when he agreed to join Juventus as a free agent this summer.

Ramsey’s exit: Five key things to know…

  • Aaron Ramsey joined Arsenal in 2008 from boyhood club Cardiff City.
  • He’d go on to make 371 appearances in all competitions, registering 65 goals and 65 assists.
  • Ramsey entered the 2018/19 season with a year left on his contract, but it was never renewed.
  • He subsequently moved to Juventus as a free agent.
  • Ramsey has since revealed that he spoke to Arsenal about why they withdraw their offer.

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Entering the 2018/19 season with one year left on his contract many observers felt Ramsey and Arsenal would reach a new agreement especially as he was the club’s longest-serving player having ultimately made over 350 appearances since joining from boyhood club Cardiff City in 2018.

However, no such deal came to fruition and Ramsey opted to continue his playing career elsewhere. He would shake hands with Italian champions Juve on a summer move and recently registered his first goal in a 2-1 win over Hellas Verona.

The decision not to award Ramsey an extension seemed to be made at executive level. Unai Emery’s arrival, following the departure of legendary boss Arsene Wenger, signalled a shift with him being a casualty.

A serious knee injury cut his final year short and when asked why Arsenal rescinded their offer, Ramsey agreed the whole episode was tumultuous but respected the new direction they’ve decided to embark on.

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“There was a lot of confusion and a lot of things were up in the air,” he told BBC Sport.

“The decision was made and that was the situation, so I had to look at other options. Arsenal are going through a transitional period at the moment.

“They have many great players and a lot of talent coming through. They are definitely going in the right direction – but my situation now is at Juventus.

“I have an unbelievable opportunity at a massive club. I just want to be part of this now. Hopefully, I can help my team-mates and my club achieve some great things on the big stage.”