Aaron Ramsey claims Arsene Wenger is reason for snubbing Manchester United

Back in 2008, Aaron Ramsey looked almost certain to make a switch from Cardiff City, his childhood club, to Manchester United.  In fact, a fee was agreed between the two teams and was announced on United’s official website.  Nevertheless, the Gunners swooped in, made a £4.8 million offer and Ramsey chose to move to north London instead of Manchester.

While the Red Devils were coming off of a 2007-08 season in which they won both the Premier League and Champions League titles, the then 17-year-old Welshman snubbed Manchester United, and their manager Sir Alex Ferguson, to join Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal team.

“He (Wenger) likes to get young kids with talent and natural ability and turn them into world-class players,” Ramsey recently proclaimed.  “He’s done that on many occasions in the past – he’ll continue doing that.  His experience, knowing how to deal with (young players) is quite remarkable.”

“He gets his satisfaction from seeing them develop as a player – and as a person as well – and gives them information on the pitch, and opportunities to go out there, play, and express themselves.”

Ramsey’s admission to want to work with Wenger comes after superstars Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez both stated that they joined the Gunners in large part due to the legendary French manager.

The Wales international also asserted that he has now transitioned from youngster to leader with the north London club.  “I’ve made a load of appearances now, I definitely feel like one of the leaders, but I feel this group of players all have their own leadership skills,” said Ramsey.

Ramsey also addressed the possibility of becoming Arsenal’s full-time captain some day in the future.  “It was nice to be given the armband, even though it was just a pre-season friendly, but it’s something I would like to do one day, to be captain,” claimed the midfielder.  “It’s a great honor and achievement to do that. I’ve had experience of doing it with my country, it would be nice to do that (for Arsenal) one day.”

Ramsey’s breakout year with the Gunners came during the 2013-14 season, as the midfielder notched 16 total goals on the season.  Included in his superb season was an eventual match-winning goal away to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League group stage (Arsenal became the first English team to beat Dortmund in Germany) and the match-winning goal in the FA Cup final (giving Arsenal their first major trophy in nine years).

Now 24, Ramsey is regarded as one of the better central midfielders in England.  Ramsey has been a vital member of the Arsenal team since the 2011-12 campaign, averaging 41 total matches per season over the last four years.  Although some Gooners became frustrated with Ramsey’s inconsistent play during his first few seasons in north London, Wenger stuck with his player and helped develop him into a star.