Aaron Ramsey has explained what he believes to be the truth behind his departure from Arsenal three-years ago. The 31-year-old, who penned a one-year deal at Nice in the summer, detailed how the exit of former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger cast doubt over his future at the club.
The Wales international told The Telegraph that he was keen on signing an extension at the Emirates Stadium. And, as he entered the final months of a contract with the north Londoners, Ramsey believes that an agreement was close.
But, following the arrival of Unai Emery, Welshman insisted that a verbal agreement over a new deal was then abruptly retracted, leaving him no choice but to join Juventus. In his own words, Ramsey said: "It all happened... I agreed to a contract they proposed.
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"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," he added. "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 featured 40 times for Arsenal under Emery, directly contributing towards 14 goals from midfield. Despite his impressive displays, the Welshman was not in the Spaniard's plans and, therefore, let go via a free transfer.
According to the Nice star, Juventus was the only option once Arsenal pulled out of a deal. The Old Lady reportedly paid Ramsey £400,000-per-week, with the Gunners unable to match their offer.
He said: "I decided to do that [move] because there was nothing on the table [from Arsenal]."
Ramsey now plies his trade in the French top-flight at Nice alongside on-loan Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley and former Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Les Aiglons currently sit 13th in the league after a bumpy start to the season.
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