Arsenal began their pre-season preparations in Australia this week, with the players receiving an outstanding reception from their Sydney-based supporters.
However, none more so than Wales international Aaron Ramsey – whose being credited for saving a supporter’s life with his FA Cup final heroics.
Ramsey of course scored the extra-time winner against Hull City at Wembley in 2014 – a goal which ended Arsenal’s nine-year drought without a trophy.
Although it now appears that the Caerphilly-born star’s goal has some extra significance, especially to Gunners fan Rohit Padmanabhan.
Rohit was suffering from severe depression three years ago, a rough patch which came about after his long-term partner left him, followed closely by the death of his grandmother.
However, when Ramsey connected with Olivier Giroud’s perfectly executed backheel-pass, Rohit’s mental state improved dramatically.
So much so, that he credits Ramsey’s finish for saving his life, a story he was keen to share with the midfielder as the Arsenal squad touched down in Sydney.
Rohit told the Islington Gazette, “When Aaron Ramsey told me to walk with him and tell him a little bit of the story behind the tattoo I couldn’t believe my luck.
“My emotions were all over the place but luckily I got him to sign his autograph right under my tattoo – and immediately got that as another tattoo as well.”
Rohit added, “I told him that he does change lives and that even if he’s vilified by many I think there’s no-one quite as special as him.”
“He actually said to me: ‘No-one’s done this before’ and asked me what made me decide to get it.
“He just seemed touched and I was just happy to get my moment with him.”
Ramsey only made 13 appearances for Arsenal last season, as his campaign was blighted with injury problems.
However, the 26-year-old finished the year strongly as he forged a promising partnership with Granit Xhaka in the heart of the team’s engine room.
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