Arsenal: My Aaron Ramsey Story

Aaron Ramsey’s move to Juventus has been made official. Nonetheless, I want to share a story regarding a personal encounter that I had with the Arsenal star over ten years ago.

I have said before that in my childhood bedroom you can find a signed No. 16 Aaron Ramsey Arsenal jersey. It is one of my most prized possessions. Writing this piece now, I can remember the day which he signed it as though it was yesterday. It is without question one of my favourite childhood memories.

Cardiff City vs. Arsenal. Sunday 25th January 2009. Ninian Park. FA Cup Fourth Round.

For eleven-year-old me, this was a weird day. My two teams were about to go to battle. Cardiff City, my local team, the team whose home games I attended with my Dad and my younger brother, facing off against the team that had inspired my love for football. Besides Thomas the Tank Engine, the back of Thierry Henry’s revered No. 14 Arsenal jersey was the first thing that I remember seeing on a television screen.

One of my Dad’s best friends is a police constable. Because of his occupation, he knew where the Arsenal team would be staying prior to the game. The St David’s Hotel.

The St David’s Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel, so my younger brother and I were made to dress much more smartly than we were accustomed to. We had to look the part.

Once we arrived we made our way to the bar area. Amongst a sparsely-populated room of well-dressed professionals, Dad ordered a round of soft drinks which my brother and I were told to “make last”.

I had already discussed ‘the plan’ with Dad. I had rehearsed my line. Aaron Ramsey was the target. He was the local hero who’s debut we had witnessed a mere 20 months earlier. Nonetheless, as they often do, the best-laid plans often go awry. Before the team even made their final departure, I caught Ramsey stepping out from a lift and into the reception area.

With my Arsenal Magazine — which uncoincidentally happened to include a feature article about the Welshman — and Aaron Ramsey Arsenal jersey in hand, we made our way towards reception, where indeed, Ramsey was asking questions of one of the receptionists.

My brother and I waited for what seemed like an eternity for this encounter to conclude, and when it did, I made my move. I made sure to ask politely – and in Welsh – and just like that, the mission was complete. I had a signed Arsenal Magazine, a signed Aaron Ramsey Arsenal jersey, and a photo with the man himself. Undoubtedly insignificant for the Welsh superstar, but for me, it is a profound memory.

Ramsey has enjoyed an excellent Arsenal career, during which there have been some incredible moments. Two FA Cup winning goals, the wonderful 2013/14 season, incredible goals against Liverpool, Norwich, and Galatasaray. However, for me, my encounter with him on the 25th of January, 2009 is undoubtedly my favourite.

He divided opinion like few others, but there is no denying his creativity, industry, and guile. He will provide Juventus with a goalscoring threat from midfield and he will be sorely missed at Arsenal Football Club.

I was not the most confident child, but I look back upon this encounter and I cannot help but smile. It was a day that I will never forget. Aaron Ramsey is a player who I will never forget. All I can say in response is ‘thank you’.