Big teams dropped out of race to sign Ramsey after Juve made £83m offer

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Manchester United and Liverpool dropped their interest in Aaron Ramsey after Juventus offered him a four-year contract worth a staggering £83million.

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also held talks with the 28-year-old, who was able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement after rejecting a new deal at Arsenal.

Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Real Madrid also showed interest in the Welshman.

But Manchester United and Liverpool declined to follow up their interest in the midfielder as they were not prepared to meet his wage demands, according to the London Evening Standard.

The Serie A giants confirmed on Monday that Wales international Ramsey had signed a four-year agreement ahead of joining in the summer when his current deal with Arsenal expires.

Ramsey wrote on social media on Monday night: ‘I wanted to issue a personal statement for all the Arsenal fans who have been extremely loyal and supportive.

‘You welcomed me as a teenager and have been there for me through all the highs and lows I’ve encountered during my time at the club. It is with a heavy heart I leave after 11 incredible years in north London.

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‘I will continue to give the team 100 per cent and hope to finish the season strongly before heading to my next chapter in Turin.’

Ramsey will become one of only six British players to sign for Juventus. Two of them were also Welsh — John Charles and Ian Rush. But whereas Charles picked up just £20 a week, Ramsey will join football’s highest earners at a club that already boasts Cristiano Ronaldo, who earns £28m a year.

Ramsey completed a two-part medical with Juventus last month and will join the club on July 1 — bringing to an end his 11-year career at Arsenal.

An Arsenal statement read: ‘Everyone at Arsenal Football Club wishes Aaron Ramsey a happy and successful future.

‘Aaron has made a fantastic contribution to our club since joining from Cardiff City in 2008. He has always been a consummate professional and will always have a special place in the hearts and memories of Arsenal fans around the world.’

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