Aaron Ramsey has revealed that Liverpool were among the clubs who wanted to sign him but ultimately couldn’t afford his transfer fee.
The Welsh midfielder was one of the hottest prospects in British football after breaking through at Cardiff, sparking a bitter transfer dispute between the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
2
Arsenal won the race in 2008, with Manchester United and Everton also in talks with the player over a £5million move.
United announced at the time that they had reached an agreement with Cardiff regarding Ramsey, but the midfielder was being courted by Arsene Wenger.
This is despite Ramsey visiting United’s Carrington training ground and rumors that it was actually Gary Neville who showed him around.
But when Ramsey appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, he revealed that wasn’t the case.
Asked if he had looked around the Red Devils headquarters. The 33-year-old said: “Yes, but it wasn’t Gary (Neville). I think he was busy that day!
“No, it was the deputy manager at the time.”
Asked if he had met Sir Alex Ferguson, Ramsey added: “No, he wasn’t there at the time.
“He made a few phone calls and tried to convince me to go there, with the initial thought being that they could loan me back, but then I just wanted to move on.”
Speaking about Liverpool’s interest, the Welshman said: “There have been some discussions with Rafa.” [Benitez].
“But back then they couldn’t really get to that fee – I think they could get something around the £1m or £2m mark, but then it went beyond that to £5m.”
2
“Rafa was very good and the presentation he gave was excellent. I also went to David Moyes’ house and he was very accommodating.”
Ramsey later moved to Arsenal before making 369 appearances for the Gunners in the 11 years he was with the club.
“Why Arsenal? I felt like him.” [Wenger] “I really wanted me,” Ramsey noted.
“He was taking part in the European Championships at the time and they flew me there when he had a few hours off.”
“We had lunch…all about him and his vision and his plans.
“He had a really detailed plan and the amount of young players he brought in and took over appealed to me.”
“For example, [Cesc] Fabregas – so I felt really wanted by Arsenal.”
Ramsey won three FA Cups and two Community Shields and ensured Arsenal finished runners-up in both the Premier League, League Cup and Europa League.