Aaron Ramsey reveals feeling 'starstruck'
Wed Nov 09, 2016 6:41 pm
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey reveals feeling 'starstruck' when he first arrived from Cardiff City in 2008
Daily Mail
Wednesday 9th November 2016
Aaron Ramsey has admitted feeling inferior to his Arsenal team-mates when he first arrived at the club, with the midfielder in awe of the more experienced stars in the club's dressing room.
The Welshman joined Arsenal as a promising 17-year-old from Cardiff City in a £5million deal after the north London club saw off competition from Manchester United for his signature.
Ramsey has blossomed into one of the Premier League's best box-to-box midfielders, but he found himself surrounded by seasoned top flight stars when he first arrived at Arsenal in 2008.
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey described his first day at the club as a 'surreal' experience
Ramsey's qualities have shone through despite a series of long-term injuries in his career
Arsene Wenger brought the Wales international into the fold at a time when Arsenal had narrowly missed out on a Premier League title - with the likes Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas in the squad - and Ramsey remembers needing to overcome a sense of intimidation.
'As soon as I came in on the first day I was a bit starstruck with all the faces there, some of the biggest players in world football,' Ramsey told the club's official website.
'I am sure they were all thinking, 'Who is this guy coming in?' and it was nerve-wracking going around and introducing yourself, meeting some of the top players in the Premier League.
'It was a bit surreal and I had to pinch myself, but they made me feel welcome straight away and made me feel like they were no different [to anyone else].'
The 26-year-old was a vital part of the Wales team that reached the last four at Euro 2016
Ramsey was a losing FA Cup finalist with Cardiff in 2008 as Portsmouth lifted the trophy
RAMSEY CAREER STATS
Club career (league only)
2006-08 Cardiff City 16 games (1 goal)
2008–present Arsenal 190 (28)
National team
2008 – Wales 44 (11)
Much has changed in the eight years since Ramsey arrived at London Colney, with the player now an integral part of Wenger's plans for a first Premier League title since 2004.
Ramsey benefited from being removed as Wales captain back in 2012, but the midfielder is still a vocal presence for both club and country, and the 25-year-old acknowledges he has had to mature quickly to fulfil his responsibilities.
'I think I am a bit louder now than I was then,' he added. 'You understand how things go on and off the pitch a bit better.
'It only seems like the other day that I was signing for Arsenal, but there have been eight years in between, so it goes before you notice really.
'I left home as a 17-year-old to live on my own and it was quite tough, but I have grown up a lot since then. I suppose football has helped with that and I have started a young family now, so much has happened in those eight years.'
Daily Mail
Wednesday 9th November 2016
Aaron Ramsey has admitted feeling inferior to his Arsenal team-mates when he first arrived at the club, with the midfielder in awe of the more experienced stars in the club's dressing room.
The Welshman joined Arsenal as a promising 17-year-old from Cardiff City in a £5million deal after the north London club saw off competition from Manchester United for his signature.
Ramsey has blossomed into one of the Premier League's best box-to-box midfielders, but he found himself surrounded by seasoned top flight stars when he first arrived at Arsenal in 2008.
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey described his first day at the club as a 'surreal' experience
Ramsey's qualities have shone through despite a series of long-term injuries in his career
Arsene Wenger brought the Wales international into the fold at a time when Arsenal had narrowly missed out on a Premier League title - with the likes Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas in the squad - and Ramsey remembers needing to overcome a sense of intimidation.
'As soon as I came in on the first day I was a bit starstruck with all the faces there, some of the biggest players in world football,' Ramsey told the club's official website.
'I am sure they were all thinking, 'Who is this guy coming in?' and it was nerve-wracking going around and introducing yourself, meeting some of the top players in the Premier League.
'It was a bit surreal and I had to pinch myself, but they made me feel welcome straight away and made me feel like they were no different [to anyone else].'
The 26-year-old was a vital part of the Wales team that reached the last four at Euro 2016
Ramsey was a losing FA Cup finalist with Cardiff in 2008 as Portsmouth lifted the trophy
RAMSEY CAREER STATS
Club career (league only)
2006-08 Cardiff City 16 games (1 goal)
2008–present Arsenal 190 (28)
National team
2008 – Wales 44 (11)
Much has changed in the eight years since Ramsey arrived at London Colney, with the player now an integral part of Wenger's plans for a first Premier League title since 2004.
Ramsey benefited from being removed as Wales captain back in 2012, but the midfielder is still a vocal presence for both club and country, and the 25-year-old acknowledges he has had to mature quickly to fulfil his responsibilities.
'I think I am a bit louder now than I was then,' he added. 'You understand how things go on and off the pitch a bit better.
'It only seems like the other day that I was signing for Arsenal, but there have been eight years in between, so it goes before you notice really.
'I left home as a 17-year-old to live on my own and it was quite tough, but I have grown up a lot since then. I suppose football has helped with that and I have started a young family now, so much has happened in those eight years.'
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Re: Aaron Ramsey reveals feeling 'starstruck'
Wed Nov 09, 2016 7:06 pm
The lad has done well 