“Southampton might get relegated this season but….” Aaron Ramsdale in tears after what happened on his return to Emirates Stadium as he finally explained to Arsenal fans what happened between him and Mikel Arteta.
“Southampton might get relegated this season but….” Aaron Ramsdale in tears after what happened on his return to Emirates Stadium as he finally explained to Arsenal fans what happened between him and Mikel Arteta.
Aaron Ramsdale in tears after what happened on his return to Emirates Stadium.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was brought to tears following his return to the Emirates Stadium with Southampton on Saturday
Aaron Ramsdale was visibly moved by the heartwarming reception he received from Arsenal fans upon his return to the Emirates Stadium with Southampton. The Saints visited Arsenal for a Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon, where the goalkeeper, who joined Southampton in a £25 million move at the end of the summer transfer window, was unsure of the welcome awaiting him in north London.
Ahead of the 3pm kick-off, Ramsdale took to the pitch for warm-ups and was greeted by a rapturous ovation from the Arsenal faithful, many of whom had arrived early to show their appreciation for their former goalkeeper. The emotional moment brought Ramsdale to tears. Chants of his name echoed through the stadium during the closing minutes of added time, and many fans remained after the final whistle to give him a standing ovation, despite Arsenal securing a 3-1 victory.
Ramsdale made 89 appearances for Arsenal but departed in search of regular first-team football after losing his starting spot to David Raya. Reflecting on his decision to leave, Ramsdale said he wanted to play regularly, rather than stay at Arsenal and sit on the bench.
“If I was sitting on the bench, it [winning a trophy] wouldn’t have meant that much to me,” he told Football Focus ahead of the match. “I just wanted to play football. As a kid, I wanted to play to play, not just sit on a bench. Getting out and playing was my aim, so I’m lucky I found myself here at Southampton.”
However, the Gunners turned the tide in the second half, with Bukayo Saka providing assists for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli before scoring a goal of his own to seal the 3-1 victory.
Ramsdale’s departure from Arsenal was on good terms, with manager Mikel Arteta giving him his blessing. “What he did for me in my time at Arsenal, I can only thank him for, and he thanked me for my contribution [when leaving],” Ramsdale told talkSPORT.
“Not just myself but as a football club, getting back into the Champions League, pushing for a trophy. Ultimately, as managers do, they have to make decisions that will upset people. He made that decision, and we still speak.”
Ramsdale is now looking forward to getting more game time at Southampton and relished the opportunity to return to the Emirates. “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,” he said.
Though Arsenal secured the win, the reception Aaron Ramsdale received highlighted the respect and admiration he still holds among the Gunners’ fanbase.
