After 11 years in an Arsenal shirt, Aaron Ramsey struggled to fight back the tears as he said farewell to the Emirates Stadium during the club's last home game of the season.
Injury prevented the Welshman from lining out for the Londoners against Brighton, but he was still afforded the opportunity to say goodbye to the fans after the game when presented with a token of appreciation.
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The midfielder will join up with Juventus during the summer before the Italian champions attempt to win a ninth consecutive Scudetto and finally land a Champions League title.
Overcome with emotion after Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brighton, Ramsey spoke to Sky Sports about his time at the club.
It's been a hell of a journey - 11 years of my life. So much has happened in that when you look back. You can tell by my voice how much it means to me. I'm just grateful to have had the opportunity to play for this great club and spend so many years here.
Like I said, I spent 11 years here - I came here when I was 17-years-old, a boy. I'm really leaving a man - a wife, my kids. So much has happened. I'm just grateful for the opportunity here.
I'm really excited for the new challenge, for the new chapter in my life. But today, it's all about this. This is where I grew up. I just want to take this in today and let it settle for a few days before I can really look forward and concentrate on that.
Unlike the club he is leaving, the Juventus-bound player can look forward to Champions League football next season. Dropping points against Chris Hughton's effectively put Arsenal's hopes of earning a spot in the European competition through the league up in smoke.
😢 A tearful Aaron Ramsey waves goodbye to the Emirates Stadium!
"A player of his quality shouldn't be leaving."
How do @Arsenal replace him? 🏴
Watch live on Sky Sports Premier League or follow in-game clips and highlights here: https://t.co/ae9dwtS6hh pic.twitter.com/r8wTyZctVY— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 5, 2019
Unai Emery's best hope of securing a spot at Europe's top table now depends on their performances in the Europa League. The Gunners may need to win the European competition in Baku if they are to enter the draw for the Champions League
The Londoners currently hold a 3-1 lead over Valencia ahead of heading to the Iberian Peninsula this week for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final.
