Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has opened up on the role his ex-Gunners teammates played in his free transfer to join Ligue 1 side Nice.
Ramsey joined the north London side in 2008 after making the move from Cardiff City, spending 11 years at the Emirates Stadium. The Welsh superstar played a key role in winning three FA Cups and two FA Community Shields during his time with Arsenal.
Ramsey struggled with injuries throughout his time with the Gunners, but enjoyed a breakout season in the 2013/14 campaign after scoring 16 goals and providing a further 10 assists in just 34 appearances. And following his move to France, the 31-year-old scored just one minute into his debut for Nice after coming off the bench to equalise in the 1-1 draw against Toulouse.
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Ramsey has now revealed he spoke to French former teammates at Arsenal before agreeing to join Nice on a free transfer. During his time at the Emirates Stadium, the 31-year-old played alongside the likes of Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Bacary Sagna and was not shy of suitors after agreeing to terminate his Juventus contract.
As reported by the Sun, Ramsey joined the club after former teammates advised him about the history of the club, and revealed what the league was like. The Welsh star said: "I have spoken to a lot of players from my days at Arsenal.
"I played with many French players who have experienced the French league so I spoke to a lot of them in the last few weeks. They told me a lot about this league, how good and technical it is.
"They told me about the history of the club and I was very interested in that. I know some great players have played here in the past and I hope to be a part of a very successful period for the club."
"The project that they want to try and achieve here is very inviting for me. I'm looking forward to it and it's exciting. Hopefully I can contribute."
The Welshman was linked with a potential return to Premier League football after a difficult three years in Turin hindered by injuries, but chose to sign for the Ligue 1 side instead. Ramsey has been joined by former Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, with the Gunners still interested in the Denmark international's ex-teammate Youri Tielemans.
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