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Arsenal star: This is why I snubbed the chance to join Manchester United
AARON RAMSEY has revealed why he signed for Arsenal over Manchester United eight years ago.
Aaron Ramsey - Spotlight on
The Wales international joined Arsenal as a 17-year-old from Championship side Cardiff in a deal worth £4.8million.
Premier League rivals Manchester United announced at the time they had agreed a transfer fee with Cardiff for the young midfielder.
But Ramsey admits he opted to snub Sir Alex Ferguson's approach as he felt more wanted by Gunners manager Arsene Wenger.
Aaron Ramsey chose Arsenal over Manchester United in 2008
Ramsey, whose side travel to face United tomorrow (12.30pm), has since established himself as a key part of Wenger's midfield - winning two FA Cups in 271 appearances.
"I just felt more wanted by Arsenal," he told Sky Sports. "And the boss' plans for me seemed more appealing to me. He did a lot to try and get me to this club.
"As a 17-year-old, flying out on a private jet to his hotel (in Switzerland for Euro 2008) was surreal but I think I made the right decision.
Aaron Ramsey says Arsene Wenger convinced him to join Arsenal
"What he's done for so many players, so many younger players as well and turned them into great players, was exciting for me.
"I wanted to be part of the first-team and show I was capable of playing at that level even though I was only 17. And I was given that opportunity quite early on.
"This is what I wanted, this is the path I wanted to choose and I'm very grateful and thankful for the opportunity that he's given me."
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