Cohen Bramall has described Arsenal’s pre-season tour as one of the ‘best things’ he’s ever done.

Meeting thousands of adoring fans on the other side of the globe is quite literally a world away from Bramall’s former life – and he knows it.

“I have gained a lot of experience,” he told Arsenal Player. “The tour has been amazing,  probably the best thing I have ever done and hopefully I am on not next year too.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world, I am so grateful to the boss for bringing me on board with the team.

“It’s hit me now [how far I have come]. I knew it would hit me after I made my first appearance and it has. It hasn’t even been a year, it’s more like seven months… it’s [amazing]. 

“I needed as many games as possible to get more experience under my belt. The second goal was my fault, I’ll take that on the chin – my foot just got stuck on the turf.”

Bramall signed for Arsenal from non-league club, Hednesford Town, in January for just £40,000 – practically pennies in today’s climate – after a successful trial.

The 21-year-old from Crewe had just been made redundant by Bentley motors, leaving him on the hunt for regular work in order to pay the bills. Since his team at the time was in the seventh-tier, he wasn’t exactly making money hand over fist.

Little did he know, his big break was just around the corner. And then some.

Since signing for the Gunners at the beginning of 2017, Bramall has made nine Premier League 2 appearances, scoring once and assisting three times, and the pre-season trip with the senior squad seems to have been the icing on the cake of a fantastic seven months.

Understandably, the left-back still has a long way to go. The youngster’s touch and ball control left a lot to be desired during Arsenal’s 3-0 thumping at the hands of Chelsea in Bejing. However, given his roots, as well as the horrific Bird’s Nest Stadium pitch, it’s not the end of the world.

The Arsenal squad are back on English soil and set to face Boreham Wood FC away on Thursday (27 July) evening at 7:30pm (UK time).

This will most likely be a reserve squad so Bramall has every chance to once again feature for the club that he’s so proud to represent.