Aaron Ramsey enjoyed a highly memorable and influential career at Arsenal, establishing himself as one of the club’s key midfielders during his 11-year spell from 2008 to 2019.
Arrival and early years
- Ramsey joined Arsenal in 2008 from Cardiff City for around £5million, choosing the Gunners after meetings with several top clubs due to manager Arsène Wenger’s personal approach and vision for his development.
- He debuted in August 2008 and quickly showed promise with his technical ability and versatility, playing across different midfield roles.
- Early in his Arsenal career, Ramsey suffered a severe leg injury in February 2010, which sidelined him for almost a year. He showed determination to return, going on loan before regaining a first-team place for the 2011–12 season.
Breakthrough and impact
- Ramsey’s defining period came during the 2013–14 season. He scored 16 goals in all competitions, an exceptional tally for a midfielder, including the iconic extra-time winner in the 2014 FA Cup Final against Hull City, ending Arsenal’s nine-year trophy drought.
- He would repeat his heroics by also scoring the winning goal in the 2017 FA Cup Final, making him one of the few players in Arsenal’s history to score deciding goals in two FA Cup finals.
- Ramsey was twice named Arsenal’s Player of the Season (2013–14 and 2017–18) and was regularly recognised for his dynamic, box-to-box play, work rate, and goal threat from midfield.
Playing style
- Known for his box-to-box energy, Ramsey excelled in making late runs into the penalty area, scoring important goals and contributing defensively.
- Praised for his technical skill, vision, and willingness to carry the ball forward, Ramsey was seen by his managers as a “complete midfielder” capable of defending, creating, and finishing.
- His best form came when playing centrally, where his ability to break from midfield and link play brought balance to Arsenal’s attacking threat, though at times this also meant the team risked losing some control in midfield if his forward runs left gaps defensively.
Trophies and legacy
- Ramsey helped Arsenal win three FA Cups (2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17), with two of those triumphs coming from his own match-winning goals in the finals.
- He left Arsenal in 2019, joining Juventus on a free transfer. Many Arsenal fans remember him as a cult hero for his commitment, big-game performances, and decisive moments on the Wembley stage.
