Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny has paid tribute to teammate Aaron Ramsey, after it was confirmed that the Welshman’s Gunners career is over.
Manager Unai Emery said on Wednesday that the Welshman, who will join Italian giants Juventus when his contract expires this summer, would not be fit to play again this season because of a hamstring injury, meaning he has played his last game in an Arsenal shirt. .
There was hope that Ramsey could recover from the injury, sustained in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final win over Napoli, in time for the final of that competition on 29 May, should Arsenal get there.
Ramsey’s departure will see his 11-year spell in north London come to an end, and leave Koscielny as the club’s longest serving player.
The French defender praised Ramsey’s professionalism this season – and hinted there were several other players who had failed to show the same dedication.
“Every season we start the season and we have new players, and I think he give a lot for the adaptation of the new players,” said Koscielny.
“What I like about Aaron is that, we know he signs for Juventus, but he is still a professional and always fights for the club and for the team.
“Sometimes you have players who have stopped fighting for this team but I think he has loved this club and that is why he stayed at 100 per cent for us. It shows a great mentality and character.”
