When Arsenal sold Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the same transfer window, the hope was that youngsters Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere would develop into their long-term replacements.
It is ironic that, in many ways, the midfielders’ careers have run in parallel.
When you think of either player, you cannot help but wonder, what if?
Talent and Adversity
Both had to recover from serious injuries, and it takes considerable mental strength to return from lengthy spells on the sidelines on more than one occasion.
Ramsey became a cult hero in North London after scoring two winning goals in the three FA Cups he lifted.
If Arsène Wenger had remained at the Emirates longer, so too might have the player, with all parties reportedly agreeing verbally to extend his contract.
However, Unai Emery made it clear that he did not view Ramsey as part of his preferred starting eleven. The Kroenke family understandably decided they were unwilling to offer a substantial salary to a player no longer guaranteed a starting role.
Not only did they inform Ramsey’s representatives that they would not honour the previously agreed wage, but all negotiations were subsequently cancelled.
Legacy and Reflection
In the final six years of his career, he played in five different countries but never came close to replicating the form he displayed as a Gunner.
He followed a similar path to Gareth Bale in prioritising his international career before retirement, which is fitting given that both became defining figures of Wales’ golden generation.
Having scored in two European Championships and featured at a World Cup, it had long been expected that the Welsh captain was waiting to see if the Red Dragons would qualify for North America.
This time last year, he managed Cardiff City’s final three fixtures of the campaign but chose not to pursue the role on a full-time basis, as he hoped to play his final match at the World Cup.
In reality, he had not played since October in Mexico, when his contract was terminated.
There was no fairytale ending, but there is a sense that if he chooses to move into coaching, Mikel Arteta would welcome him back to the club.
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Diolch yn fair lawn…Thank you very much (so I’m informed).
Diolch yn fawr iawn…seriously, my spell checker took over and came up with that other mess.
Jax,
To be fare with you’re attempt at Welsh, you can spell the words any way you like. We won’t know any different.
Derek, yeah, I doubt that we have many (if any) real Welsh-speaking fans.
Another young player who ignored the likes of Alex Ferguson because he wanted to play for Arsene and Arsenal.
I do remember the contract saga and it seems to me that it was the amount of salary being offered (in the region of £300,000 a week reportedly) that was as much a part of the club doing a U turn.
According to Aaron, the club never returned with a revised contract and the rest is history.
His attitude, goals, commitment and respect to the fans and club, defines him as one of our top players.
A model professional, who was unlucky enough to play against Ryan Shawcross and was the subject of one of the worst “tackles” I’ve ever witnessed – on par with the one that saw Eduardo out of the game for so long.
The fact that Aaron recovered from that assault and continued to play at the highest level, is a testament to him as a person.
Good luck in the future Aaron, you will always be remembered as someone who gave everything to our club and your country – the nickname Rambo was well deserved.
Ken1945,
I remember that tackle on Eduardo, he was just starting to establish himself in the team as well.
I always remember a goal he scored on his return from his injury. It was at the Emirates against Burnley, outside of his right foot into the goalkeepers right hand corner.
Two brilliant players Derek.
Ken1945,
Agreed. 👍
A sad story of what could have been. So thrilled when he joined Arsenal as a wonder kid with all that potential , and so unlucky with that horrific and disabling injury. Credit to Aaron for fighting his way back and being able to compete at top level but I always felt something was missing both in his defensive physicality and the way his body continued to let him down with long term injuries. He could have filled the same role at Arsenal as Declan Rice currently does . Not his fault, but unlucky for both his career and Arsenal as another of what could have been our second golden generation was hampered by long term and possibly career ending injuries. Can only wish him the best of luck if he decides to remain in football or beyond that.