Unai Emery has revealed he is ready to use Aaron Ramsey in his pre-match pep talk ahead of the Europa League Final.
Ramsey will miss what would have been his last game of an 11-year Arsenal career because of injury ahead of his free transfer to Juventus this summer, and Emery believes it will be an emotional farewell.
Gunners boss Emery also put his side of the story on how Ramsey has been allowed to leave, after the club withdrew a contract offer last autumn which has led to the Wales international midfielder leaving for nothing.
When asked whether Ramsey could be used in the team-talk before Wednesday's meeting with Chelsea here in Baku, Emery said: “It will be a good opportunity, a good idea.
“For the final, we want to do something important with some players: Petr Cech [who is retiring this summer]. Danny Welbeck [leaving at the end of his contract]. Aaron also. We want to touch something emotional for this match.”
Emery claimed Ramsey was distracted while his future was uncertain and that his form returned as soon as he knew he was leaving.
It was a strange justification, as the 28-year-old wanted to stay and would have signed a contract. It was Emery who ultimately pulled the plug.
Emery added: “At the beginning, he started the pre-season very excited and well. I said, ‘Whoa, looking at him close… whoa!’
“But after, in his mind, he was thinking, ‘My future, my future, my future’ and something at the beginning, I said to him and in the press conference he was a little distracted and really I was thinking his performance is not with the balance and regularity.
“But when he decided his future, in this moment it was difficult for us because he decided his contract, is difficult for the club to close and I cannot do nothing, but after, really, the last three months he was amazing. Amazing. And I know another Aaron Ramsey.”
