Aaron Ramsey has revealed that he was made to do a lot of growing up when joining Arsenal as a youngster, claiming that he was "starstruck" when first arriving at the club.
The Welshman made a switch to the Emirates Stadium from boyhood side Cardiff City in 2008 as a 17-year-old, fresh on the back of helping the Bluebirds to the FA Cup final.
Arsenal had the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri in their ranks at the time, and Ramsey admits that it was initially tough to make himself heard in a dressing room containing so much quality.
"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," he 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]. 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. 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."
Ramsey, still working his way back to full fitness after picking up an injury on the opening day of the season, has made a little over 200 appearances for Arsenal since joining.
Daniel Lewis
