Aaron Ramsey: Arsenal midfielder reveals his footballing idol and it's not Pele or Maradona...it's Graham Kavanagh

Ramsey was inspired by the Irishman when he was Cardiff captain a decade ago

Graham Kavanagh (left) and Aaron Ramsey

Not Zinedine Zidane, Pele or Maradona, Aaron Ramsey's footballing idol is a surprise choice, and a little closer to home.

In a Facebook question and answer session to his 1.3m fans, the Arsenal midfielder revealed that his favourite player growing up was Graham Kavanagh, who was Cardiff City captain when Ramsey was beginning his career at the Welsh club.

"Graham Kavanagh - he was the Cardiff captain and played in my position so that's who I looked up to and wanted to aspire to be like," he wrote.

Kavanagh made 164 appearances for the Bluebirds between 2001 and 2005, and the Republic of Ireland international was an integral part of the side which won promotion to Division One in 2003.

The 40-year-old is now manager at League One Carlisle United, maybe one day he will be able to use his prestige to bring the Welshman to Brunton Park.

For a player that Ramsey has played against, he says that Scott Parker has given him the biggest challenge. "Scott Parker was really tough to play against," he wrote. "He never gives you any time on the ball."

Ramsey also joked in the Q&A that "crazy" Lukas Podolski is the one member of the Gunners' squad who he wouldn't like to get into a fight with, although he thinks he could "still take him", his favourite band is the Arctic Monkeys, and his meal of choice...a good old fashioned Sunday roast.

The 23-year-old has been sidelined since Boxing Day with a thigh injury, and while Friday's FA Cup clash with Coventry City may come too soon, he could be back for the trip to Southampton the following Tuesday.

Ramsey has been in outstanding form this season, scoring 15 goals for club and country.

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