“I tried my best to change his mind”

Aaron Ramsdale says he holds no grudge against Mikel Arteta after his “difficult” departure from Arsenal this summer.

Ramsdale was a regular during his first two seasons at the Emirates, making 78 appearances in all competitions during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons combined, and quickly became a popular figure with supporters.

However, the five-time England international was surprisingly demoted to reserve duty after Raya arrived on loan from Brentford last summer, having made just 11 appearances in all competitions and only six in the Premier League.

With Raya’s loan deal now made permanent, there is little chance of Ramsdale’s situation improving. The 26-year-old will now attempt to get his career back on track at St Mary’s, with the Saints completing a £25million move (as reported by BBC Sport).

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Ramsdale opens up about Arsenal exit and Arteta relationship

During an interview with talkSPORT, Ramsdale was asked if there was any bitterness over the way his Arsenal career ended, but the goalkeeper had a very different view.

“No, I’ve been in football long enough that the manager’s decision is the manager’s decision. I did my best to change his mind and force myself back. His spirit was determined and at the same time David had a great season,” Ramsdale said.

“You can be angry or worried about being thrown out, but when someone else is performing, you just have to accept it. 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 have to start your career again.

“It was a very difficult season, but my character and personality, I started the game enjoying it, but when it is taken away, it is hard. That is why you have to move on, unfortunately, but I am happy with where I am now.”

Ramsdale stressed that he has a strong bond with Arteta, with whom he still keeps in touch.

“What he did for me during my time at Arsenal, I can only be grateful to him for that and he thanked me for my contribution as well,” Ramsdale continued.

“As a football club, coming back into the Champions League and pushing for a trophy and ultimately as managers, they often make decisions that upset people. He made that decision, but we still speak.

“I’m looking forward to playing some games here. We’ll play them in a couple of weeks, which will be a nice comeback.”