'No bitterness': Aaron Ramsdale talks Mikel Arteta, Arsenal exit and first transfer to Southampton
Aaron Ramsdale says he holds no hard feelings towards Arsenal following his summer move to Southampton.
The English international Departure from Emirates Stadium It came as a result of Gunners manager Mikel Arteta's preference to field fellow Spaniard David Raya.
Raya was brought in on a season-long loan from Brentford at the start of last season and performed magnificently as the Gunners came close to ending their 20-year Premier League title drought.
Ramsdale, who has been ArsenalRaya's number one after joining the club in 2021, he was limited to just six league appearances last season and things were unlikely to improve this term after the Gunners tied Raya down to a permanent deal.
The goalkeeper is in the process of reviving his career on the south coast and admits that despite his disappointing exit, he holds no grudges against his former employers.
Asked if he held any resentment, Ramsdale told talkSPORT: “No, I've been in football long enough that the manager's decision is the manager's decision.
“I did everything I could to change his mind and make my way back. His decision was made and at the same time David had a great season.
“You can feel all the discomfort or doubts about being taken out, but when it's someone else who is handing you over, you just have to accept it.
“It was tough, but I found a new home and I'm looking forward to playing again. We have to move on, there are no hard feelings and we have to start the race again.”
“It was a very difficult season, but my character and my personality, I started the game enjoying it, but when it is taken away from you, it is hard.
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“So unfortunately I have to move on, but I'm happy with where I am now.”
Ramsdale revealed that while Arteta's decision to opt for Raya ultimately brought his time at Arsenal to an abrupt end, he continues to share a good relationship with his former boss and remains grateful for his opportunities at the club.
“Yes, I spoke to him last week,” Ramsdale added. “I can only thank him for what he did for me during my time at Arsenal, and he also thanked me for my contribution.
“As a football club, getting back into the Champions League and fighting for a trophy and ultimately as a coach, they often make decisions that upset people. He made that decision, but we still talk about it.”
“I'm looking forward to playing some games here. We'll be playing them in a few weeks, which will be a good return.”
Ironically, the 26-year-old finds himself in a similar position to Raya in his new surroundings at St Mary's.
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Early signs suggest Ramsdale has displaced Saints duo Alex McCarthy and Gavin Buzunu to claim the No 1 spot, but he knows he must perform at the highest level to keep them at bay.
“I think that's part of having a player in a certain position,” he continued. “It's up to me to perform on the pitch, if I don't, I'll be under a lot of pressure.”
“I already have a good relationship with them, but they will be ready to push me, but I will be ready to defend them, but ultimately it is all about me and how I perform.”
Southampton vs Manchester United will be broadcast live exclusively on talkSPORT this Saturday at 12:30pm
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