Arsenal & Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey says his injury has made him grow up

Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal, (Getty Images)

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Newly-appointed Wales captain Aaron Ramsey says he has grown up since he suffered a horrific injury 13 months ago at Stoke City.

The 20-year-old Cardiff native was surprisingly handed the captaincy of his country by manager Gary Speed this week, and Ramsey feels he is able to step up to the role.

Referring to his double leg break, Ramsey told reporters: “I have been through a lot in the past year. I have had to be strong mentally to get through it.

“I couldn’t have done that without the support of my friends and family and all the messages that I got from the fans around the world.

“I have definitely been through a lot but I think I have benefited from that and I have grown up throughout that period.”

Ramsey believes he has an ideal role model in current Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

“He has captained his club at such a young age and done such a lot in the game at such a young age.

“He has become one of the best midfielders in the world.

“Training with him every day is just going to help you and you can take bits you think he does well and try to add them to your game.

“I think he is still the same person on and off the field and he leads by the way he plays as well.”

The former Cardiff City midfielder says that despite not being a natural leader he knows where his qualities lie: “I am quite a down-to-earth person.

“I am not the life and soul of the camp, but I do speak a lot throughout the team and to everyone. I am not shy.”