‘Tried my best’ – Ace reveals he tried to change Arteta’s mind but was forced to leave Arsenal cos of 28y/o | OneFootball

Aaron Ramsdale has revealed that he tried his best to change the mind of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and force his way back into his starting XI before eventually leaving.

The England international lost his spot to David Raya last term shortly after the Spaniard joined on a season-long loan from Brentford.

Arsenal ended up keeping 16 clean sheets in the 32 Premier League games the 28-year-old featured in, forcing Ramsdale to leave for Southampton this summer once it became clear there was no way back for him in Arteta’s first XI.

“The manager’s decision is the manager’s decision,” the 26-year-old told talkSPORT.

“I tried my best to force my way back in, but David Raya had a great season. It was tough, but I have found a new home, and I am looking forward to playing again. I just need to restart my career how I see fit.

“I spoke to him (Arteta) last week. What he did for me in my time at Arsenal was fantastic. He thanked me for my contribution to helping get Arsenal back into the Champions League.

“We still speak, and we are playing them in a few weeks time, which will be a nice reunion.”

Ramsdale joined Arsenal from Sheffield United in August 2021 and established himself as first-choice ahead of Bernd Leno, making 34 league appearances in his debut season.

The German left for Fulham in the summer of 2022 and his English counterpart was in goal for all the 38 league games that season, making the PFA Team of the Year at the end of the campaign as the Gunners finished second in the table.

Ramsdale was also named London Football Awards Goalkeeper of the Year for 2023, but Arteta wanted a goalie who was more comfortable with playing out from the back, and Arsenal went for Raya.

The England international was also making some errors and failing to make routine saves, which forced the Arsenal boss to go after a better option, but he will be keen to prove himself at Southampton and is already looking forward to facing his old side next month.