Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has claimed that his improvement over the last year has been down to the support given to him by manager Arsene Wenger.

The Welshman delivered a series of impressive performances in the first half of the campaign before a three-month injury lay-off disrupted his season and the club's title challenge.

Ramsey faced criticism earlier in his career as he struggled to find form after a double leg break in 2010. However, after Wenger showed faith in him, he has now become an integral player for the Gunners.

"The manager had loads of chats with me about it (criticism of his form) and always said: 'Never let it get to you, because I know what you can do'," Ramsey told The Guardian. "I'm grateful for what he's done for me and for the faith that he's had in me.

"Even when I was injured he gave me a new contract. Through the criticism he played me.

"He's always believed in me and I can't thank him enough for that. I owe a lot to him and hopefully I've delivered some of that back this season."

Ramsey joined Arsenal from Cardiff City in 2008.