Ramsey a different man than at start of Arsenal career

Aaron Ramsey admits he was starstruck when he first joined Arsenal, but eight years on the midfielder claims he is a completely different man.

Ramsey joined the Gunners from Cardiff City back in 2008 – having made just 22 first-team appearances for the Bluebirds in his young career.

The 25-year-old Welshman has gone on to thrive since that £5million move, making over 250 appearances for the North London club and winning the FA Cup on two occasions.

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Aged just 17 when making the switch to the Emirates Stadium, Ramsey understandably felt slightly out of his depth at first but is adamant he had no doubt about signing on the dotted line.

“I had to make a decision at the time,” said Ramsey. “I flew over to see the boss and I knew straight away that this was where I wanted to be, I wanted to be in his plans and I was just buzzing.

“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.

“I am sure they were all thinking, ‘Who is this guy coming in?’ and it was nerve-racking 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.

“I think I am a bit louder now than I was then! You understand how things go on and off the pitch a bit better.

“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. So much has happened in those eight years.”