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Tom OlverPublished Sep 12, 2024, 2:52pm|Updated Sep 12, 2024, 2:53pm
Aaron Ramsdale says he bears Mikel Arteta no ill will and still speaks with the Arsenal manager following his move to Southampton.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper made just six appearances in the Premier League after losing his place to David Raya last season and decided to leave Arsenal in search of regular minutes in the summer transfer window.
Newly promoted Southampton agreed a four-year contract with Ramsdale – in a deal worth an initial £18million – and the shot-stopper made his debut in the side’s 3-1 defeat away to Brentford before the international break.
He is expected to continue his run in the team this weekend when the Saints play host to Erik ten Hag’s misfiring Manchester United team at St Mary’s.
Given the ruthlessness with which Arteta dropped Ramsdale in favour of Raya, the England international could be forgiven for feeling some bitterness towards the Arsenal head coach.
But speaking to talkSPORT, Ramsdale insisted he and the manager remain on good terms, with the Spaniard thanking him for helping get Arsenal back into the Champions League.
‘I only spoke to him last week. What he did for me in my time at Arsenal I can only thank him for,’ Ramsdale said.
‘And he thanked me for my contribution, not just myself but as a football club, getting back into the Champions League, pushing for a trophy.
‘Ultimately, as manager’s do and top manager’s 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.’
Ramsdale has come to terms with Arteta’s decision and is looking forward to ‘restarting’ his career on the south coast.
‘The manager’s decision is the manager’s decision,’ he added.
‘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.’
Southampton boss Russell Martin said the ‘keeper’s arrival would ‘give everyone a lift’ at the club.
‘He brings a big character and a big voice, which is something we don’t have,’ he told reporters.
‘We’re quite a quiet group because we’re a young group. I think he’s going to be great.’We’re quite a quiet group because we’re a young group. I think he’s going to be great.
‘Some of the guys might be surprised that he’s coming. It will give everyone a lift.’
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