Birmingham City midfielder Fabrice Muamba is excited about facing old club Arsenal.

Muamba, 19, joined City in a £4million deal after a successful season on loan at St Andrew's. He admitted: "I could have stayed but I didn't want to. There was no guarantee I was going to play so I chose to go somewhere I would."

Muamba has never been afraid of challenges. A refugee with his family from war-torn Congo, he grew up to the sound of gunfire.

He could not speak English when he arrived at the age of 12 but almost turned his back on football to chase a career in accountancy.

He is now doing an Open University degree in maths and data studies away from the pitch.

Muamba added: "My hero is Patrick Vieira. I was lucky enough to train with him. I try to mix his game and my game together."