Aaron Ramsdale reflects on 'difficult' Arsenal exit & Mikel Arteta relationship | OneFootball

Aaron Ramsdale insists he has no hard feelings about his exit from Arsenal, admitting it was a simple case of a manager preferring a different player.

Ramsdale was key to Arsenal's resurgence and enjoyed two successful years as the starting goalkeeper between 2021 and 2023, only to be surprisingly benched following the arrival of David Raya ahead of the 2023/24 season.

With Raya joining permanently this summer, the writing was on the wall for Ramsdale, who left to join Southampton in a £25m deal.

Asked whether he was bitter about the way his Arsenal career ended, Ramsdale told talkSPORT: “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. 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. That's why unfortunately you have to move on but I'm happy about where I'm at now."

Arteta chose Raya over Ramsdale / Michael Regan/GettyImages

Ramsdale went on to confess that he still has a strong relationship with manager Mikel Arteta and even spoke with the Gunners boss during the international break.

"What he did for me in my time at Arsenal, I can only thank him for and he thanked me for my contribution as well," Ramsdale revealed.

"As a football club, getting back into the Champions League and pushing for a trophy and ultimately as manager's do they often make decisions that upset people. He made that decision, but we still speak.

"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."