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Unai Emery responds to Paul Mersons Aaron Ramsey dig

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Emery would not be drawn into a row (Picture: Getty)

Unai Emery resisted the temptation to hit back at Paul Merson over his comments about Aaron Ramseys contract situation and insists he respects every opinion.

The former PSG and Sevilla boss has decided to let the Welshman leave Arsenal either in January or the summer, with the club revoking a contract offer.

Ramseys current deal expires at the end of the season and Merson hit out at his former side for letting the situation reach this point.

Its typical Arsenal isnt it? he said .

How can they let the contract of a quality player like that run down? Theyve done it too many times now.

Merson hit out at his former club (Picture: Getty)

When I was there, when there was 18 months or two years left on your contract you were called in for another one. My contract never, ever, went to less than 18 months at Arsenal.

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Arsenal have lost Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Manchester United and Liverpool when they were in the final year of their contracts, while Mesut Ozils was also rundown until the last six months before an agreement was reached.

But Emery brushed off Mersons comments

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, he said.

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.

He added: I want his [Ramseys] performance (to be just) like the other players.

For example, in the last match he started on the bench, then he played 25 minutes with this performance.

On Monday its the same if he starts in the first XI or on the bench, to come with the focus for this match to help us. Its not different (than it is) for other players.

Ramsey is expected to start on the bench in Arsenals Premier League clash with Leicester on Monday night.