Aaron Ramsey will likely be in the Arsenal lineup when they face off against Manchester United on Saturday afternoon. However, had things gone a little differently eight years ago, the Welsh midfielder could have been in the home changing room for what will be a crunch Premier League fixture.
Back in 2008, Ramsey, then just 17-years-old and impressing for Cardiff City, was the subject of interest from both Arsenal and Man United before, ultimately, opting to head to north London.
Now, two days before the two clubs meet for the first time in the 2016/17 season, he has explained exactly what made him pick Arsene Wenger over Sir Alex Ferguson.
Given that it was almost a decade ago now, some Manchester United fans may have forgotten that their club even tried to sign Ramsey before he signed on the dotted line for Arsenal.
And it wasn’t just transfer speculation in the papers, either. United’s official website even published an article in June 2008 revealing that the Red Devils had agreed on a fee with Cardiff for the teenage Ramsey.
This, coupled with the fact that Ramsey was actually a fan of the Old Trafford club as a youngster, meant that, for a time, it looked like United had beaten off competition from their fierce rivals for the signature of one of the most highly rated British teenagers of the time.
However, as the now 25-year-old explained to Sky Sports this week, he was swayed towards Arsenal thanks to the efforts the club – and Arsene Wenger – went to impress him.
“I went up there to see the facilities and I went to see Arsene Wenger,” Ramsey said, recalling the summer of 2008.
“He [Wenger] 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.
“I just felt a bit more wanted by Arsenal and by the boss.”
So there you have it. If you ever want to sign one a top teenage footballing talent, all it might take is a trip on a private jet to get the deal over the line.
On a more serious note, Arsenal fans must be delighted with the efforts Wenger went to to get Ramsey signed up given how things have gone since.
Despite suffering a horrific broken leg in 2010, the Welshman has gone on to become one of the Gunners’ most reliable players – scoring 43 goals in 269 appearances and assisting plenty more.
However, with United having won three Premier League titles, one F.A. Cup and two League Cups in the eight years that have followed Ramsey’s decision, you have to wonder if the midfield star ever regrets turning down his boyhood club.