Aaron Ramsey addresses Arsenal exit and issues Mikel Arteta verdict

Former Arsenal favourite Aaron Ramsey has been speaking about his time at the Emirates Stadium and his much-debated departure. The 33-year-old spent 11 years with the Gunners, racking up more than 250 league appearances and winning three FA Cups along the way.

The creative midfielder, who has since returned to hometown club Cardiff City, was a favourite among Gunners fans, but his departure left a sour taste in the mouths of some, given he left for free at the end of his contract, joining Juventus, where he would go on to win a treble.

But looking back on his North London departure, Ramsey says he agreed to stay only to have his contract offer withdrawn. “It was something I didn’t want to happen. I was offered a contract, which I accepted, then 1-2 weeks passed and then the contract was gone," he told England365. "I don’t hold a grudge, I wish my time was a lot longer, but sometimes these things happen.”

Having worked under Arsene Wenger for more than a decade, it's no surprise Ramsey has fond memories of the Frenchman, adding: "He was instrumental in me coming to the club when he flew me and my family to Switzerland to meet him.

"I had a great relationship with him, he helped me on and off the pitch, he was like a father figure to the players with a lot of knowledge and wisdom to help. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities it has given me.”

Arsenal have taken significant steps forward over the last couple of years, finally re-entering the Premier League title conversation, finishing second last season, while they are likely to be in the thick of the title race this season. “I think Mikel (Arteta) has done an incredible job and obviously built a team that is able to compete with the best," Ramsey said, praising his former teammate. "They came close last year, hopefully this year they’ll take it a step further.”

Ramsey is now back with Cardiff, returning on a free transfer in the summer ahead of starting the season in excellent form. He has since been sidelined for around three months, but his return to action is likely to come in the coming days and weeks. The Bluebirds are currently just three points outside the playoffs despite only narrowly escaping relegation last season.