Arsenal parted ways with several popular players in the summer transfer window, including goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Ramsdale lost his starting spot to David Raya last year, and his time on the bench meant that in the most recent International break, he was not called up to the England squad.
It was clear that he needed to leave Arsenal for first-team football, and the goalkeeper completed a deadline-day move to Southampton, with Bournemouth captain Neto replacing him on the Arsenal bench.
Ramsdale recently admitted that he respected Mikel Arteta’s decision to replace him with Raya, given the Spaniard’s strong form in the second half of last season, and he will hope to rediscover his best form.
Having previously played for Bournemouth, Ramsdale’s move to Southampton has seen him return to the South Coast, and he has now expressed his delight at moving away from North London.
Aaron Ramsdale delighted with South Coast return after Arsenal exit
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of his Southampton home debut against Manchester United, Ramsdale explained why he is delighted about his move to familiar territory.
“Yeah definitely back stronger you know, Chumbawamba, but no, to be back playing, it’s what I started out doing as a kid, playing for the love of the game,” Ramsdale stated.
“But I think this move in general for myself, my family, I have been back down on the South Coast, you know it’s a breath of fresh air for us, so back being playing football is the main part.
“But I think for myself as well, I’m just more of a happy human now, and going home seeing my little boy, being back playing takes a lot of pressure off, but the area around here is just a phenomenal place to live.”
Aaron Ramsdale will hope to earn England return
Ramsdale endured a difficult year after being dropped by Arteta at Arsenal, and when asked to step in for Raya, his confidence was clearly shaken as his performances were below par.
He will now hope that his move to Southampton, and life back on the South Coast, can help him rediscover his best form, and earn his place in the England squad back.
The 26-year-old was excellent at times for Arsenal after joining in 2021 to much surprise, and his old fans would be happy to see him succeed at Southampton despite his turbulent exit from the club.
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