Ramsey: A dream to come to Juventus

We’ve known for months now that Aaron Ramsey would be leaving Arsenal on a free transfer to join Juventus for the upcoming season so there was no surprises today, but it was still good to hear from the player himself today during his tour and official unveiling.

Speaking at the press conference, the 28-year-old midfielder was very clear that as soon as he knew Juve wanted him there was only one next destination for him.

“When I knew that Juventus were interested, I couldn’t say refuse that. It’s a great club, one of the biggest in the world, so to have the opportunity to come here and play for them at the top level is a dream. It’s also a challenge for myself to come over, to experience a different way of life, different culture, for me to take that in, embrace it and I hope it all goes well here.

“I know how hard it’s going to be, I’ve prepared myself for that and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“As soon as I knew Juve were in for me, there was no question on where I was going to go. You can’t turn down that opportunity. I’m so excited to be here, to be a part of this great club and hope I can be a part of some new history we can write together.

“Yes, there were other clubs, but this is the right club for me and I’m so excited and proud to be here.”

At the unveiling he was handed the #8 shirt by director Fabio Paratici, a passing of the mantle as that jersey had been worn by fan-favourite Claudio Marchisio who left the club last season.

“I wanted the Number 8 jersey that I wore at Arsenal and when it was free here, I had to take it with both hands. I know Marchisio was an unbelievable player here who grew up here and had a fantastic career. I spoke to him a couple of times and if I can emulate what he’s done for Juventus, I’d be pretty proud of that.

“I’m looking forward to wearing that jersey, I know it comes with responsibilities, but I’m ready for that too.”

Ramsey is not quite ready to resume full training but he’s getting better and passed his medicals earlier with no issues.

“I have an injury, but it’s going well, it’s progressing nicely at the moment. I’m doing a lot of work to try and get back as quickly as possible. I’m not quite there yet to go into full training, but I’m not too far away. I want to start training with the guys as soon as possible.

“I’ve had a small injury, but we’re taking it day by day, I’m feeling stronger and getting more fitness. We’ll make a decision over the next few days, but nothing has been set in stone yet over whether I travel with the squad for the pre-season tour. The way things are going, I’m confident I’ll be back fairly soon.”

There are many changes afoot with Maurizio Sarri now in charge, what was the welcome the 58-time Wales international has gotten so far?

“The squad, the players have all welcomed me really nicely, I’ve spoken to the Coach a few times and he’s very approachable and easy to talk to. I’m looking forward to helping my new teammates to achieve our targets this season.

“There is competition for places, but that’s to be expected at a team like Juventus. I have to back myself and produce in order to get into this team, so I’m just looking forward to the challenge and hopefully can play my part.

“A player like me, I want to affect the game, whether I score or assist, both are equally important to help the team. I’ll be hoping to score and create as many goals as I can this season, in order to achieve our targets.

“Of course, you want to play football the best you can, but it’s not the only way to win a football game. At the end of the day, it’s about winning, so that’s the most important thing. If you can win by playing good football, that’s a nice feeling.

“I know from this Coach and his time in England (with Chelsea) that he definitely likes to play football, he has his own philosophy and I’m sure all the players here will adapt very nicely to that.”

Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images

Speaking of knowing Sarri well, his Arsenal side were spanked 4-1 in the Europa League Final just over a month ago.

“From what I saw last season, he got to two Finals, won one of them and finished in the top four. That’s not easy to do, so it was definitely a success for him there. Hopefully he can bring his philosophy and style to the team, as winning and playing good football is the ideal situation, but it’s not the only way.

“Hopefully this will be something we can do and be really successful doing.”

Ramsey is being joined in the middle of the pitch by Adrien Rabiot, how does he see each of their roles shaping up?

“I like to be a box-to-box midfielder, who can get up and down the pitch, who can defend and also then get on the end of something at the other end. Those are my characteristics, then when I go into full training, I’ll understand what the Coach wants too. I’m looking forward to it.”

Finally, the midfielder was asked what he knew of iconic Juventus player John Charles, his fellow Welshman.

“He’s an absolute legend, who I look up to as a person and a player, and hopefully look to emulate.”