Ever since I was a boy, I have wanted to be a professional footballer and to captain my country one day.
I started off playing rugby league as well as union. I switched between fly-half and wing, but I preferred to play fly-half. I liked to be at the heart of everything. I liked to be involved.
On away trips, I'll listen to my iPod sometimes or watch some TV, see what's on of a Friday or Saturday night - I'll usually save the TV box sets until I'm at home with the wife.
You would want to play in every game if possible, but I am realistic.
I give everything when I'm on the pitch. When I'm at the training ground, working in the gym or whatever, I always give everything I've got.
The main factor in joining Arsenal was meeting with Arsene Wenger and to hear what his plans were for me.
I know what I'm capable of doing. I just want to stay fit and healthy and let my football take care of itself.
I think a top-class midfielder needs to be able to tackle, get up and down the pitch, pass, create opportunities, and score goals. That's why I try to do everything; that's what I judge my game on.
I try to give my best for the team, help the team, and try and go out there and play the best I can for myself as well.
At the beginning of the season, you're still getting your fitness levels up, and those first few games are quite tough.
I want to be the complete midfielder, someone who can defend and attack. Steven Gerrard is someone who's done that very well over the years, and he is someone I am trying to emulate.
I'm an Arsenal player, and I want to remain an Arsenal player.
When you're wide, you're taught to try and get in at the far post so the ball doesn't go straight across, but from that central position, you can use your instinct where to go.
Competition is to be expected at a club like Arsenal.
I went to many games with my dad, Kevin, and looked up to the players. It's surreal that now young fans are looking up to me.
It's always been something I've wanted to try and do, to take Wales to a major championship.
It's a massive difference when you play in front of full stadiums; you can sense the buzz around the players, and it helps us get that extra one or two per cent that may be the difference in games.
There's always pressure on Arsenal to go out and win games and win trophies.
I am quite a down-to-earth person.
I am not shy.
