Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has now opened up about one thing that has helped him cope with being out of the Arsenal team this season.
It has been a difficult campaign for Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale.
The shot-stopper may well have already played his final game for the north London club. As David Raya is ineligible to play against his parent club, Ramsdale was reintroduced to the starting XI for the visit of Brentford to the Emirates Stadium last time out in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old was guilty of committing a horrendous first-half error which gifted the Bees an equalising goal. However, after the break, the former Sheffield United man made two fine saves, as Kai Havertz scored at the other end of the pitch to clinch a victory. Arsenal fans felt that Ramsdale did enough in the second half against Brentford to redeem himself after his earlier howler.
Barring an injury or suspension, Raya is now expected to see out the rest of the season between the sticks, as Arsenal are on the hunt for glory in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Arsenal are aware that Ramsdale is all but certain to leave the club in the upcoming summer transfer window. He will be missed by many in north London if he does indeed depart.
Whilst Raya is now clearly Mikel Arteta’s pick to be the No. 1, Ramsdale remains a fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium, and there has been much debate as to which goalkeeper should be ahead in the pecking order. Many Arsenal fans have called on Arteta to bring Ramsdale back into the regular starting XI at times this season.
Aaron Ramsdale sends message of thanks to Arsenal fans
Ramsdale has taken plenty of heart from the support he has received from the stands this season. Speaking to the club’s official website, the England man stated, “especially this year with the situation I’ve found myself in, they have been extra special.”
“Even before games when my name is read out, I’ve heard the cheers, and warming up people still want to give me a wave. I think that’s kept me going more than I realised this season. Home and away I’ve always felt the love, heard chants, and that’s not something the second goalkeeper will get at many other places.”
“So for sure, that’s been a massive boost for me. It could have been easy going through the season thinking you are forgotten about, but it’s been special during a difficult time, with how much love they’ve shown…I can’t thank them enough for what they do. What they do for the team in general is outstanding.”
At this stage in his career, Ramsdale needs to be playing regular football, especially if he wants to maintain and build on his place in Gareth Southgate’s plans for the England team. In order to do that, he will need to leave Arsenal. He will say goodbye with his place in the hearts of Arsenal fans assured though. Prior to Raya’s arrival, when he was in the team week in, week out, he produced a number of magic moments that will live long in the memory.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
