Aaron Ramsdale makes Mikel Arteta feelings clear with honest Arsenal title claim
Aaron Ramsdale ended his Arsenal torment in the summer transfer window by signing for newly-promoted Southampton, and the goalkeeper's reason for the move was crystal clear
by Nathan Ridley · The MirrorAaron Ramsdale says that winning the Premier League title with Arsenal wouldn't have 'meant much to him' thanks to Mikel Arteta.
Ramsdale, 26, spent the majority of his first two seasons with the Gunners as Arteta's undisputed No.1. But a shaky end to the 2022-23 season prompted Arsenal to sign Brentford star David Raya, who was soon given the gloves by Arteta and has since become one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.
Arteta was intially criticised for his handling of the situation but Raya's tremendous impact has vindicated the Gunners boss. Ramsdale spent almost all of last season on the bench and when he returned from England duty after being part of Gareth Southgate's squad at Euro 2024 this summer, a move away was his priority.
The goalkeeper was snapped up by newly-promoted Southampton in an initial £18million transfer deal, potentially rising to £25m. Despite the Saints being without a win after six Premier League games, Ramsdale feels 'lucky' to be at St Mary's after being denied game time by Arteta.
"If I was sitting on the bench, it [winning a trophy] wouldn't have meant that much to me," Ramsdale told Football Focus. "I just wanted to play football. As a kid I wanted to play football to play, not to just sit on a bench. Getting out and playing was my aim so I'm lucky I found myself here at Southampton."
The 26-year-old did, though, reveal last month that he and Arteta parted on good terms. "What he did for me in my time at Arsenal, I can only thank him for, and he thanked me for my contribution [when leaving]," Ramsdale said to talkSPORT.
"Not just myself but as a football club, getting back into the Champions League, pushing for a trophy. Ultimately, as managers do and top managers do, they have to make decisions which will upset people. He made that decision and we still speak. I'm obviously looking forward to getting some games under my belt here and we have Arsenal in a few weeks which will be a nice return."
Get involved! Was Aaron Ramsdale right to leave Arsenal? Have your say in the comments section.
He also accepts Arteta's call to replace him with Raya, adding: "The manager's decision is the manager's decision. I tried my best to change his mind and force my way back in but his mind was set and, at the same time, David Raya had a great season.
"You can have all the upset or qualms when you're taken out but when someone else is delivering you've just got to take it on the chin. It was tough, but I have found a new home and I am looking forward to playing again.
"That's what happened, you just move on. There's no bad blood and you've just got to restart your career how you see fit."
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