Football
Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC 5y

Aaron Ramsey leaving Arsenal 'comfort zone' for Juventus - Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs has told ESPN FC that Aaron Ramsey's proposed move to Juventus from Arsenal will take the midfielder of his "comfort zone" and make him a better player.

Sources have told ESPN FC that Ramsey, 28, will complete a free transfer move to Italian champions Juventus at the end of this season following Arsenal's decision to withdraw a contract offer to the Welshman last September.

Wales manager Giggs admitted he has been surprised by Arsenal's failure to re-open negotiations over a new deal for Ramsey, but the former Manchester United winger believes that moving to Juventus will benefit the player and the international team.

"I think the main thing for me, as a national team coach, is that your players are playing, but you've seen the great experience that Gareth [Bale] has had going abroad and what he's won," Giggs told ESPN FC.

"When you go into a team that is winning things, with that confidence that it gives you, you become a better player with that experience, I think, and sort of going out of your comfort zone.

"So I expect Aaron to improve over the next few years. He's already a quality player, but I expect him to improve with the quality of team that he's going to."

Ramsey had been in discussions with Arsenal over a new contract during the first half of 2018, but manager Unai Emery sanctioned the club's decision to take the offer off the table after replacing Arsene Wenger at the Emirates last summer.

But while Giggs expected Ramsey to see out the rest of his career at Arsenal, he believes he is joining one of the world's top clubs by signing for Juventus.

"I'm slightly surprised [that Arsenal don't want to keep Ramsey] because he had been there for a long time," Giggs said. "I think he's their longest serving player.

"When you come to the age that he is, 28, you are looking to probably finish your career at that club.

"But it wasn't to be and he is going to one of the biggest clubs, and one of the most successful clubs, in the world."

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