Welbeck - Early problems made me a man

Danny Welbeck believes that early setbacks in his career have made him a stronger person and a better player.

The England forward struggled with Osgood-Schlatter disease when he was playing for Manchester United’s academy sides before his loan spell to Preston North End was cut short due to injury.

However, Welbeck overcame his problems and is now reaping the rewards.

“It’s not always going to be a clean sail through,” the 24-year-old told Arsenal Player. “Getting injured is a massive setback. When you look back at it, it makes you a better and a stronger person today but at the time it’s hard to deal with.

“I started growing late so I was a late developer. I got Osgood-Schlatter disease in my knees because my bones were growing quicker than my muscles and it’s hard to get out on the training pitch, then afterwards you’re in agony every single time you play football.

“You’ve just got to take it as a positive and see what you can do to make yourself better. Looking back at it now it helped me develop into a man mentally as well as physically because you’ve got to rest your body and learn the game from a different perspective.”

Welbeck has already become a fan favourite at Emirates Stadium, and he is delighted that Arsenal’s supporters have accepted him so quickly.

“It’s great and it gives you even more of an incentive to do well,” he said. “You want to get on to the pitch, do well for yourself, the team and the whole club in general. The fans are very special in this game and it’s great that the Arsenal fans have taken to me so well.”