Cardiff Fans Tell Us About Ramsey + Player Biography

Arsenal are on the verge of sealing the signing of Cardiff City youngster Aaron Ramsey, with the final details of the transfer set to be concluded in the next 24 hours. Ramsey spoke yesterday about his decision to join the Gunners, saying it was a “gut feeling” that helped him make his choice, as well as Arsene Wenger’s youth policy.

In light of his imminent transfer, Young Guns has put together a detailed biography of his career so far, telling the story of how he went from a school boy, to Rugby player, to Cardiff City starlet, and now playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Since many people do not know much about Aaron, we have also caught up with a Cardiff fan to ask all about Rambo in an exclusive interview. All this and more can be found below.

Aaron Ramsey Biography

Aaron James Ramsey was born in the peaceful yet scenic town of Caerphilly, Wales, in late December 1990. Ramsey started out life just as any other young boy, going to school everyday before taking part in various sports during his Physical Education lessons. He also became bilingual, fluently speaking both English and his native Welsh.

Wales is primarily a Rugby country, and naturally as a youngster grew up with the sport, but was also a keen long distance runner, as well as a football fan. As a teenager he won awards as the regional 800m champion, but was also in the local Rugby and football teams.

Aged 8 he was signed by Cardiff City FC, after they brushed off competition from Newcastle United, who also wanted the prospect to join their Academy. Whilst still at school he became a regular for Caerphilly R.F.C, impressing as a winger, before he firmly switched his attention to football during his teenage years.

After fast forwarding to June 2007, he caught the attention of the bigger clubs, after playing against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium for Cardiff in the FA Youth Cup. Shortly after the match an offer was lodged from a North London club, believed to be the Gunners for his services. It was rejected, and he went on to finish the season in the City first team aged just 16.

He started last term as a permanent member of the first team squad, before signing a professional contract just before the turn of the year, on his 17th birthday. In January 2008 he put the funds together to get himself through his driving exam, eventually passing and purchasing a lime green Ford Fiesta. The car has since made him become the butt of jokes from his team mates.

Cardiff then drew Chasetown in the second round of the FA Cup, and with an injury to Steven McPhail, Aaron found himself granted his first professional start. With the score at 1-0, Ramsey headed home the second goal to open his account on his debut. He put in an industrious and hard work display on the left wing, in front of watching scouts and the media. The boy from Caerphilly was earning a huge reputation.

By now he was in the Welsh youth setup, scoring twice in 15 matches for the Under 17s. This catapulted Aaron straight into Dave Jones first team, where he completed the season making 22 appearances. Featuring everywhere from full back, central midfield, left/right wing, and even as a forward.

Whilst the media and fans alike were talking up Aaron, he kept himself to himself, with his parents Marlene and Kevin firmly keeping his feet on the ground. He went on to feature in every round of the FA Cup, putting in a superb performance against Middlesbrough at the Riverside, as Cardiff reached the final.

Portsmouth joined City at Wembley to contest the Cup, with all the talk before the game about Ramsey, and would he be given playing time on such a huge stage. He did come on during the second half, and although The Bluebirds lost 1-0, Aaron’s wizardry from the bench helped a late fight back.

With the season done and dusted, all the talk was of Ramsey’s future. Manchester United remained the firm favourites to sign him, but Arsenal, along with other clubs held a keen interest. However everything went quiet for the next month.

Last week everything clicked into place, and the race to sign the most sought after young player in Britain began. Man Utd made an offer of £5 million pounds which Cardiff accepted. But then Arsenal and a day later Everton matched this bid. United and the Toffee’s were so confident about the deal, both clubs announced the news on their official websites, while the Gunners kept their interest quiet.

He would then spend time talking with all the teams concerned, first going to Manchester with his family. He was greeted by club captain Gary Neville, and with United almost taking for granted his signature, did not put much focus on the meeting. The Ramsey family left feeling disappointed that none of the hierarchy were there to answer his questions or queries, but the media remained sure he would still become a Red Devil.

Next up he arrived at Everton, and with the Toffee’s the third choice, a deal never really looked likely, despite the offer of more first team football. Sir Alex Ferguson decided to take time from his holidays to call Aaron, as he was on his way to meet Arsenal officials, but it now seemed it was too little, too late.

Rambo met up with Ken Friar and Steve Rowley in London, where it was indicated his preferred choice would be the Gunners. Arsene Wenger then arranged to fly the family out to Switzerland, where he was working for French TV, to discuss the transfer. They arrived first class via private jet, and the treatment shown by the club towards the player certainly was impressive.

It seemed to have been the tipping point, as Cardiff confirmed two days later he had chosen to join Wenger’s men for £5 million. City Chairman Peter Ridsdale was left disappointed, as United’s option included a loan back clause, whereas Arsenal’s did not, meaning they would have to invest in a replacement.

The transfer fee does not seem alot in terms of the current state of the market, but the £5 million is being invested in his future potential, not in his current performances. The easy part has proved to be his signing, now the hard work of turning him into a world class player must begin.

Aaron recognised the clubs that have been after him, and gave his views on why he chose Arsenal above the other clubs. He also confessed he still has much work ahead.

“It is an honour to be wanted by massive clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton. But in the end I had to make the decision I felt was right for my future. Cardiff City gave me my start in professional football and I won’t forget that.”

“It doesn’t seem that long ago when I first joined as a schoolboy. I have come a fair way since then, but there is still a lot of hard work ahead.”

The quiet youngster will now be thrust into the spotlight with one of the biggest sides in club football, as he completes his switch to Arsenal. I think its important now that all the attention on him falls away, and he can go have a long and much deserved holiday, before starting his development with the Gunners.

Special Thanks To Cardiff fan Chris, for his input in this article.

Name: – Aaron James Ramsey
Age: - 17
Nickname: - Rambo
Nationality: - Welsh
Position: - Midfield
Height: - 1.78cm
Foot: - Right
Clubs – Cardiff City

Aaron Ramsey Fans Interview

With most fans not knowing much about Aaron, i decided to ask his former supporters all about him. I caught up with Sarah, a regular at Ninian Park as well as away fixtures, who has seen all but one of Ramsey’s games for the Blue Birds. In this exclusive interview, we talked about all aspects of his switch to Arsenal, as well as what his qualities are, and what he will bring to the team.

Thanks For Talking To Young Guns Sarah, Can You Start By Telling Us In Basic Terms About Ramsey?

“He is he a midfield player, but I have seen him pushed further up the pitch as well. However sometimes he is pushed back into defence. He is a very versatile for his age, and although isn’t the quickest, but makes up for it with his passing. He can look up & see a killer ball very well. Definitely passing is one of his main strengths. I think midfield is where he is strongest as he plays those cutting balls.”

What Special Qualities Does Aaron Posses?

“He is physically very strong, and he isn’t bullied off the ball easily. As I said his passing is pretty incredible for his age, but he is a very mature player, who isn’t scared to take players on.”

Whats The General Feeling Amongst Cardiff Fans About Him Choosing Arsenal?

“I think the majority look as it for a bad move from Cardiff’s perspective, but good for Aaron. This is because Utd were offering a loan back option, where I understand Arsenal are not. But it is seen as the best move for Rambo as youngsters seemed to be used more at Arsenal.”

Peter Ridsdale Mentioned Cardiff Saw The Deal As Important, As It Could Lead To A Partnership Between The Sides, Where Arsenal Could Loan Young Prospects To The club. Your Thoughts On That?

“I think that would be fantastic as Arsenal have some of the best youngsters around. If you look at the partnership they had with Brimingham, i.e Bendtner & Larrson, this gave Birmingham promotion. I think this came from the (Jermaine) Pennant signing. But I think a partnership with one of the best clubs in the world is very positive. Possibly better than a Utd one as Arsenal I think have the better youngsters.”

Finally, can you tell me a little bit about his personality, and why you think he chose Arsenal

“Rambo seems a very mature guy. He is very quiet & handles the media very professionally for someone of his age. Though he seems quite shy, I believe he chose Arsenal because Wenger met him personally, while he spoke to Fergie on the phone. It seems Arsenal went out of their way for him. Perhaps wanting him that bit more.

Also it is well known he is good friends with Gunter & Bale at Spurs. I think the North London factor was pretty big”

Thanks For Your Time Sarah!

It is fine. You have a very special player on your hands!

Article By -J.Sanderson

~ by J.Sanderson on June 12, 2008.