Last Updated: 12/06/17 11:20pm
Aaron Ramsey insists Arsenal’s players are delighted that Arsene Wenger has signed a contract extension at the club.
Wenger ended months of speculation when he signed a new two-year deal after guiding the club to their FA Cup in four seasons, though the Gunners missed out on Champions League qualification after finishing fifth.
Ramsey admits the intense debate surrounding Wenger’s future over the last few months took its toll on the players but he says he and his team-mates owe it to the Frenchman to improve next season.
“It is hard when all that speculation is going on,” Ramsey said. “As a player, you try to put it to the back of your mind but obviously you are not sure what is happening.
“We’re glad now that it has finally been announced he’s staying. We’re all happy.
“Hopefully now we can start the season strongly and have a real good go, not just for ourselves but for him as well.”
The low point of the season for Arsenal came when they were humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, crashing out with a 10-2 aggregate defeat.
Wenger, who has been criticised in the past for his perceived tactical inflexibility, shifted away from his traditional flat back-four to playing three central defenders and two wing-backs in a bid to help his team rediscover their confidence.
And the switch paid dividends as Arsenal won nine of their last 10 games, culminating with their record-breaking 13th FA Cup final success against Chelsea.
That tactical change allowed Ramsey more freedom in a central midfield area and the Wales international admits it is a system he enjoys.
“I think that system suited us in the end, it showed with the way we finished the season and winning the cup in that formation,” Ramsey said.
“It suits the team, it gives us a lot more security defensively, not so suspect to counter-attacks. But also it frees players up to do more things, get into more dangerous positions.
“I scored a few goals at the end of the season. It allowed me to get into some dangerous positions and thankfully I put them away.
“I’m disappointed the season’s finishing. I wish it was another 10, 15 games. I’m happy with my form, so hopefully I can go into next season now with the same form.”
