Teenage Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey on Friday promised to return a better, stronger player after seeing his season ended by a horror tackle which left him with a broken leg.
The Wales midfielder suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in a challenge with Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross at the Brittania Stadium last weekend.
“It is very hard to take, but I am young and have time on my side,” the 19-year-old said. “I had an operation last weekend and, while it will take time for my leg to heal, I am determined and focused on overcoming this injury, and hope to be back fitter and stronger than before.”
Ramsey said he remembers the incident clearly, which resulted in his leg hanging off at a sickening angle.
“I remember what happened and, after the tackle went in, I saw that my leg was broken and hanging at an angle,” Ramsey said. “I have seen images of the aftermath of the collision again, but I don’t want to dwell too much on the challenge as I can’t change what has happened.”
The teenager thanked Stoke’s Glenn Whelan for his support, but he made no mention of Shawcross.
“I have been overwhelmed by the terrific support I have received from so many people, including fans from many different football clubs,” Ramsey said. “In particular, I would like to thank the medical team here at Arsenal for their efforts, as well as the staff at both hospitals. Glenn Whelan was especially kind and I really appreciated his immediate assistance on the pitch, as well as the medical support from Stoke City.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits the success of South Korean players in the Premier League has made him reconsider the possibility of signing Asian stars.
Wenger knows the qualities of Asian players better than most after spending 18 months working in Japan as manager of Grampus Eight, but Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto has been his only signing from the region since taking over at Arsenal 14 years ago.
Inamoto’s failure to make an impact in the Premier League convinced Wenger that Asians were a risky investment, but he has been forced to think again after seeing South Korean stars Park Ji-sung and Lee Chung-yong in action at Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers respectively.
“I know that the Korean players in England are doing very well and, of course, it excites a little bit your curiosity,” Wenger said. “The Korean players have done one important thing. There are very few Asian players who have made it in Europe and especially the Premier League, but the Korean players look to adapt very well.”
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