Aaron Ramsey Arsenal

Emery accepts criticism over Ramsey contract situation

Arsenal have received widespread criticism in the media for their handling of Aaron Ramsey's contract negotiations, and Unai Emery says he respects the opinions of pundits and journalists.

Ramsey is likely to leave the Emirates when his contract expires at the end of the season after Arsenal withdrew their offer of a new deal in September just before the Welshman signed it.

With one of the London club's best assets set to leave for free, many observers have condemned the Gunners for allowing their players' contracts to run down before agreeing new terms.

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However, Emery accepts that members of the media will have their say on such matters.

“I respect every opinion because our work is in the focus for analysis for a lot of people like journalists and like the ex-players,” the Spaniard said ahead of Arsenal's clash with Liecester City on Monday.

“In the football world this is how it is, I have this habit when I am doing well or when the people think it is not well.”

Ramsey came off the bench to score against Fulham in Arsenal's last game before the international break, and Emery was pleased with that display from the 27-year-old.

“I want his performance [to be just] like the other players,” the Reds' head coach continued. “For example, in the last match he started on the bench, then he played 25 minutes with this performance.

“On Monday it’s the same if he starts in the first XI or on the bench, to come with the focus for this match to help us. It’s not different [than it is] for other players.

“I want every player to stay with the mentality and preparation to play together to win. The future is tomorrow, not more. Individual things are not for now.”

Emery lost his first two games in the Premier League to Manchester City and Chelsea, but Arsenal have enjoyed a run of six straight wins since then and now sit fourth in the table.

“The difficulty now is not relaxing,” the former PSG boss added. “We need to continue with every big demand on ourselves for each match, thinking our next match is most important.”

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