Wenger explains decision to hand Ramsey new Arsenal contract

Arsene Wenger says he opted to give Aaron Ramsey a new contract last season because he “felt it was the right decision” despite the Arsenal midfielder’s stuttering form.

The Wales international had struggled to produce consistent performances for the Gunners following his horror leg break suffered at Stoke City back in 2010.

Wenger, however, handed the 22-year-old a fresh five-year deal last December – and Ramsey has since blossomed into one of the Gunners’ standout performers.

I always felt that he had a good attitude, good basic qualities and would come out of that bad patch in a strong way.

Arsene Wenger

The midfielder has scored eight league goals so far this term, including a double in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Cardiff.

And Wenger says he always had faith in the midfielder’s ability, despite seeing Ramsey’s ability questioned by some fans.

“I just felt it was the right decision,” said Wenger, whose side host Hull City on Wednesday. “At the time I had no doubt.

“I always felt that he had a good attitude, good basic qualities and would come out of that bad patch in a strong way.

“Don’t get me wrong, I did not predict that he would score as many goals as that, but I was always confident that he would make a good career.

“I don’t know how good he can be. As a midfielder, you want to defend well, attack well, give assists and score goals. That’s how good you can be.

“At the moment he does all these four things very well – and he can still improve.”