Part of the Wales national team that qualified for the upcoming World Cup tournament for the first time in 64 years, Ramsey is a midfield star who can also play in the wing position. Now playing for Scottish side Rangers on loan from Italian club Juventus, we look at the contemporary best quotes about Aaron Ramsey.
With over 70 international caps to his name, Ramsey also represented the Great Britain team in the Summer Olympics.
Born in the Welsh town of Caerphilly, he started off at Cardiff City before deciding to join Arsenal FC despite interest shown by manager Alex Ferguson of fellow Premier League side Manchester United.
A three-time FA Cup winner, he played in over 350 games for the Gunners, netting 64 times. He was twice named the club’s player of the season, and had comparisons made to Roy Keane and Steven Gerrard.
Upon joining Juventus he became one of the highest-earning British players, celebrating with a Serie A League title soon after and then becoming one of the few Welsh players to make 50 Champions League appearances.
His Welsh national team career has seen him become the country’s youngest ever captain, and also guiding the team to the semi-final of the European Championship in 2016, where he ended up as the tournament’s joint top assist provider.
“…..also scores goals now, he has improved tremendously on that front…..He has a great engine, great spirit and has an obsession – he wants always to be better.”
Arsene Wenger (Arsenal manager)
“The difference in his strength and his maturity – both on and off the pitch – was amazing.”
Dave Jones (Cardiff manager)
“…..(could) become as influential as Steven Gerrard.”
Ray Parlour (former Arsenal midfielder)
“…..the best attacking midfielder in the Premier League.”
Steven Gerrard
“An offence-minded Roy Keane…..an all-round player, with a fantastic ability to cover distances.”
Arsene Wenger
“He’s enjoying his football and it’s going to be difficult to get him off the football pitch, I’m pretty sure of that…..I see him in training every day and he’s looking a totally different player. He’s like a new signing.”
Theo Walcott (Arsenal team-mate)
“He was very normal and popular among his peers…..There was no element of him being pompous or big headed.”
Rhys Thomas (former school assistant head teacher)
“He always had something special and always played with a smile…..Whenever he was in the team you always had a chance…..He’s also a very down-to-earth-lad.”
Gary Lewis (sports officer, Urdd Welsh language youth movement)
“…..a player with a fantastic engine, good build, good technique and good vision.”
Arsene Wenger
“…..He is so strong mentally…..”
Dave Jones
“…..I was a midfielder, and I would have loved to have had what he has. He can defend, he can attack, he can score goals. What more do you want?”
Arsene Wenger
“I remember thinking then about how good his balance was…..The ball was glued to his feet and he nearly won us the tournament on his own!”
Rhys Thomas
“He’s the one showing everything we believe…..The boy has a great future…..Aaron Ramsey is the best one at the moment.”
Dave Jones
“He was excellent. He had this maturity and vision…..In a very short space of time he added to the small list of folk heroes at Cardiff.”
Terry Burton (Cardiff assistant manager)