Ramsey: 'I will be back fitter and stronger than before'

Aaron Ramsey last night promised to be back "fitter and stronger than before" after reliving the horror of his leg break for the first time.

Ramsey, 19, said he looked down at his right leg to see it was "hanging at an angle" after the X-rated challenge from Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross.

Arsenal midfielder Ramsey, due out of hospital this weekend after having a pin inserted in his right leg, is expected to be out for at least six months and has now revealed his full horror after the clash.

Ramsey has received more than 50,000 messages of support in the form of letters, e-mails, phone calls and has had a text from Shawcross but did not want to discuss the challenge.

Welsh international Ramsey said: "I remember what happened clearly and after the tackle went in I saw that my leg was broken and hanging at an angle. 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.

"It is difficult for me to take everything in at the moment. I thought I had been progressing well this season, so of course this is a real setback. It is very hard to take but I am young and have time on my side.

"I had an operation last weekend and while it will take time for my leg to heal, I am determined and focussed on overcoming this injury and hope to be back fitter and stronger than before."

The extent of the injury has shocked the whole of football and Sky and Match of the Day refused to show repeats of the incident which left Ramsey with a fractured tibia and fibula.

It is the third time in four years that an Arsenal player has suffered such a severe leg break following similar injuries to Abou Diaby and Eduardo.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger slammed the tackle as "unacceptable" and has called for the FA to crack down on tackles, suggesting the red card and three game ban for Shawcross is not enough.

But yesterday, Ramsey paid tribute for the quick actions of the club's medical staff and also Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan who was one of the first players on the scene on the pitch.

Ramsey added: "I have been overwhelmed by the terrific support I have received from so many people including fans from many different football clubs. 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. I also want to say thanks to Arsenal for helping my family this week.

"Last but certainly not least I have been blown away by the fantastic messages of support from the Arsenal fans. †I am proud to be an Arsenal player and your support has been incredibly touching.

"Finally, I want to wish my teammates all the best for the remainder of the season. I know that we are capable of winning a trophy and I will be backing them all the way."

Ramsey is expected to make a full recovery and yesterday Wenger insisted Arsenal are determined to win the Premier League title for their injured team mate.