Aaron Ramsdale issues classy message to Mikel Arteta after Arsenal exit

Aaron Ramsdale has insisted he has no hard feelings towards Mikel Arteta after leaving Arsenal for Southampton.

Ramsdale joined the Saints in an £18million deal that could rise to £25m after losing his place to David Raya at the Emirates last season.

Ramsdale was a fan favourite at Arsenal but was controversially dropped by Arteta and decided to move on in search of first-team football.

But the England international insists he is still on good terms with the Gunners boss, telling talkSPORT: “I only spoke to him last week. What he did for me in my time at Arsenal I can only thank him for.

“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 played every Premier League game of the 2022/23 season as Arsenal finished just five points behind champions Manchester City.

But despite starting the following season as Arteta’s number one goalkeeper he was soon replaced by Raya, who had arrived on loan from Brentford.

“The manager’s decision is the manager’s decision,” Ramsdale 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.”