Aaron Ramsdale opens up on Arsenal exit: " I tried my best"

Aaron Ramsdale's move to Southampton came as a result of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta preferring newly-signed goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford over him. Ramsdale lost his position in the starting XI after a year-long of impressive performances from the Spaniard - Raya ended the Premier League season with 16 clean sheet in 32 games. 

The Englishman joined Arsenal in 2021 and immediately cemented his place as number one goalkeeper ahead of German international Bernd Leno. Despite being named goalkeeper of the year at the  'London Football Awards' in 2023, Ramsdale was himself get gradually sidelined as Arsenal signed David Raya upon Arteta's request, who wanted a goalie who was more comfortable with playing out from the back.

Speaking to 'TalkSPORT', Ramsdale was asked if he holds any bitterness against Arteta for how things went. The shot-stopper revealed: "No, I’ve been around football long enough that the manager’s decision is the manager’s decision. I tried my best to change his mind and force my way back in. His mind was set and at the same time David had a great season. You can have all the upset or qualms about being taken out but when someone else is delivering, you’ve just got to take it on the chin". 

But the 26-yea-old does not deny the struggles he faced as a result of the disappointing exit. "It was tough but I’ve found a new home and I’m looking forward to playing again. You move on, there’s no bad blood and you’ve got to restart your career again. It was a really difficult season but my character and personality, I started the game by enjoying it but when it gets taken away, it’s tough," he admits. 

Nonetheless, the two continue to share a good relationship, even with Ramsdale's move to Hampshire. “I spoke to him (Arteta) last week. What he did for me in my time at Arsenal was fantastic. He thanked me for my contribution to helping get Arsenal back into the Champions League.

The shot-stopper is now in the process of reigniting his career at Southampton, and is already looking forward to facing his old teammates next month. “I’m looking forward to getting some games under my belt here. We play them in a few weeks time which will be a nice return," he admits. 

 

September 12, 2024