Aaron Ramsey says he will leave Arsenal with a heavy heart after penning a pre-contract agreement with Juventus.
The 28-year-old has agreed a four-year deal and will officially join the Italian champions on July 1, the day after his Arsenal contract expires.
Confirmation of the move ends considerable speculation over the future of the Wales international, who turned down a new deal at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season.
Juve, however, had long been the favourites for Ramsey’s signature despite a host of other top European clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich, being linked.
Reports have claimed Ramsey will earn around £400,000 per week following the transfer, for which Arsenal will not be entitled to a fee.
He will leave the north London club 11 years after arriving from Cardiff.
In a statement issued on his social media platforms, Ramsey wrote: “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 have encountered during my time at the club. “It is with a heavy heart that I leave after 11 incredible years in north London.
Thank you. “I will continue to give the team 100 per cent and hope to finish the season strongly, before heading on to my next chapter in Turin.”
Ramsey had not seemed a natural fit for the Arsenal team being developed under new manager Unai Emery. He won the FA Cup under Arsene Wenger in 2014, 2015 and 2017.
A statement from Arsenal read: “Everyone at Arsenal Football Club wishes Aaron Ramsey a happy and successful future. “Aaron’s 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.”
