Beginnings

Born on 26 December 1990 in Caerphilly, Wales, Aaron James Ramsey began playing football as a schoolboy through the Urdd Movement, the Welsh League of Youth. Aged eight he joined the academy of Cardiff City and over his childhood years progressed through the ranks.

Career

Making his debut in the last game of the 2006-07 Championship season, Ramsey became the bluebirds’ youngest ever player at just 16 years and 124 days. He would only play a handful of games for Cardiff before Arsenal came in for the highly rated youngster in the summer of 2008. Ramsey’s talent was recognised early on by the Welsh national team. The then manager John Toshack called him up and he has a dozen caps to date. Ramsey joined the Gunners for a fee of £4.8 million. He made his competitive debut against FC Twente in the Champions League qualifying round and scored his first goal for Arsenal in the group stage fixture away at Fenerbahce. Arsene Wenger has shown confidence in Aaron’s ability by blooding him in all competitions. In a Premier League fixture at Stoke in February 2010, Ramsey suffered a horrific leg injury thanks to a challenge from Ryan Shawcross. In the challenge from the centre back, which resulted in the offender being sent off, he sustained a broken tibia and fibula. Aaron required leg surgery to repair this career-threatening injury that ruled him out for the rest of the season and beyond. He moved closer to a comeback when he began to resume training in October 2010 and played his first game, a reserve match, the following month. Arsenal loaned him out for a month to Championship side Nottingham, Forest to regain match fitness and after Christmas he returned to Cardiff for a similar spell. Ramsey is back now with the Gunners, his rehabilitation nearly complete.

Achievements

Aaron played a part in Cardiff’s run to the 2008 FA Cup Final, but he had to settle for a runners-up medal as opponents Portsmouth lifted the trophy. In March 2011, new Wales boss Gary Speed named him successor to Craig Bellamy in the role of national captain. This appointment makes Ramsey the youngest ever player to wear the armband for the Dragons.