After completing his move to Southampton, Aaron Ramsdale has thanked the Arsenal supporters for always having his back and says it was “a privilege to share so many great moments”.
The England international moves to St Mary’s in a deal worth up to £25 million with the aim of getting his career back on track after spending the majority of the 23/24 campaign playing second fiddle at the Emirates to David. Raya.
A popular member of Mikel Arteta’s squad, Ramsdale was vital in helping the club climb from mid-table to serious title contenders in the space of two seasons. When he signed a new deal in May 2023, everyone expected he’d hold the number one spot for the foreseeable future. As it turns out Mikel Arteta had other ideas.
It’s a shame it’s ended the way it has but he leaves on good terms with 89 appearances to his name.
Marking his exit, the 26-year-old wrote on Instagram:
To My Arsenal Family
From the moment I arrived, I felt like one of you. All I ever wanted to do was give my all and try to get the club back to where it belongs. The connection that we had will stay with me forever.
This is a special football club that has come a long way in a short space of time and it has been a privilege to share so many great moments with you.
I look forward to returning soon, seeing some familiar faces and reminiscing on good times!
Thank you to all of my teammates for going to battle with me; we certainly gave it a good go and had some fun. Finally, and most of all, thank you to the Gunners for always being behind me! I will love you forever.
See you soon.
While Mikel Arteta and Edu have been ruthless in their decision to upgrade on Ramsdale, it’s clear the player’s professionalism earned their respect.
Edu told Arsenal.com: “We are pleased to have reached a very positive transfer completion with Southampton and Aaron leaves us with our best wishes. We thank Aaron for his performances for the club since joining us three years ago, and we wish him and his family well in their new chapter.”
Arteta added: “Aaron has been a top professional since joining in 2021 and has made many contributions during his time with us. We thank Aaron for everything he gave to Arsenal and we wish him and his family the best of health, success and happiness in his new opportunity with Southampton.”
Having been relegated with former clubs Sheffield United and Bournemouth, Ramsdale has his work cut out keeping newly-promoted Southampton in the top flight. All the same, he’s looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” he told the Southampton official website.
“The way the manager wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm. I’d never met him before, but he made me feel about eight feet tall, which is just what you want.
“Coming back down to the south coast as well for me and my family, it would be an easier transition than most, so I feel like I can hit the ground running. I’m looking forward to this year, just getting back to what I do best and having a big smile on my face while doing it here.”
Representing The Arsenal with class.
Thank you, Aaron ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FofVZbmlbn
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 30, 2024
Can’t remember when I was this sad when a player left. But that’s life.
Fabregas
Henry.
I was also sad when we didn’t resign Cesc when we had the chance too!
Henry, we had to let him go. We didn’t have the team to deserve him anymore sadly….
We had Ozil and the lack of loyalty that Fabregas showed was the reason Wenger didn’t resign him.
Could not feel as sad as it was the player’s decision.
I remember my wife saying it’s me or the Arsenal, that was a sad day, sometimes I miss her.
Top comment!
RVP, Nasri and Adebayor, top players.
This is either top tier sarcasm, or the most wrong anyone has ever been.
Emile a couple of weeks ago.
I have been vocal on here with my love for Rambo, for the shocking way our normally impeccable manager dealt with things after Raya’s arrival (substitute goalkeepers nonsense) while not blaming our incredible Spanish no1.
Rambo made me love and have confidence in an Arsenal keeper since the Seaman was in goal.
Lots of luck Aaron! ❤️🔴⚪️
A good move for all parties. Best of luck to him (except against us). Hope he gets on Sp*rs nerves again when he visits the Bowl.
I guess it’s best for all parties but I’ll certainly miss him and can’t help thinking Southampton have got an absolute bargain!
Mikel Merino injured in training and out “for a few weeks” according to Arteta just now at a press conference.
Dammit. Gonna miss Rambo. Great GK and the life of the party. In today’s game, there’s very few times I see a player kissing the badge and believe it anymore. He was one of the few where I did.
I will miss this big goofy goalie
Shine on you crazy diamond! ❤️
That video sure does highlight what an excellent shot stopper Ramsdale has been for us. I agree with Brendan Rodgers’ reaction. (I just vomited in my own mouth after writing that.)
Already missing ESR and Rambo. Absolute class and really felt we have to let them go so that they can fulfill their journey as a great footballer.
At least he will get plenty of action in net for Southampton. Not at all excited about a 35 year old Neto as our backup to Raya. Raya will surely play every league and CL match as long as he is healthy with Neto only for the domestic cup matches. Just pray Raya doesn’t get hurt at all or we can kiss our title hopes goodbye.
I’ve been sad when other players have departed our ranks but usually that was accompanied with anger at either the player or management or agent or some combination thereof. This year seems different. I am genuinely sad to see Rambo and ESR move on to different clubs but bear no ill will to any party and sincerely hope all flourish provided it isn’t against us!
Love this man’s passion. Wished it would have worked out, and I still think he may be the better shot stopper of the two.
It’s totally underappreciated how good his save from Toney’s attempt from 45 yards last season was. In situations like that, the keeper is usually nowhere near. One of the all time great saves.