‘Unique’ Ramsey will be missed
ARSENE WENGER believes losing Aaron Ramsey’s unique qualities in midfield will be a setback for Arsenal.
The Wales star will join Juventus on July 1, once his existing deal with the Gunners expires.
Ramsey, 28, has spent the past 11 years in north London – largely under the stewardship of Wenger, who signed him from Cardiff when he was a teenager.
“It will be a loss for Arsenal but I must say it will be an interesting move for Ramsey,” said Wenger, speaking at the Laureus Sport for Good Award presentation.
“He is a player who is great going forward. His main quality is he can keep the final ball and he makes penetrating runs from deep. You don’t find many players today who can make those midfield runs off the ball.
“He will be an interesting addition for Juventus.”
Wenger has been out of work since leaving the Emirates at the end of last season, although he continues to be linked with a host of top management positions – including at Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
He said: “My future is unknown – even for me. I enjoy daily life now and I have been travelling a lot all over the world.
“I am enjoying a little bit less pressure and more freedom. But I miss the competition.”
Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira – two of Wenger’s former players at Arsenal – have had contrasting introductions to European management.
While Henry lasted just three months at Monaco before being replaced in January, Vieira has steered Nice to seventh in Ligue 1.
Wenger said: “Both have the qualities to be outstanding managers.
“You have less time when you arrive in the middle of the season. That is what happened to Thierry.
“How he bounces back will be very important but I think he has the quality and desire to make a career.”