Aaron Ramsdale reflects on Arsenal departure ahead of Emirates return

Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has opened up about his “difficult” decision to leave Arsenal in search of regular first-team football, Soccernet.football reports.

After two full seasons as the Gunners’ first-choice goalkeeper, Ramsdale found himself displaced by David Raya during the 2023/2024 campaign.

This unexpected change left the 26-year-old out of Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup, prompting him to seek other opportunities by joining newly-promoted Southampton during the summer transfer window.

Reflecting on the move, Ramsdale admitted it was a tough decision but emphasized his need for regular playing time to continue developing and remain competitive for future international call-ups.

Since joining Southampton, the goalkeeper has started four Premier League matches, just two fewer than his total appearances for Arsenal during the 2023/24 season.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Ramsdale explained that his desire for more playing time in the Premier League drove his decision to leave the north London side.

“There’s not many people that I have personally met that have said ‘I wanted to win the Premier League as a kid by sitting on the bench’. As much as that would be amazing and you are in a team environment,” admitted Ramsdale.

“If I finish my career and I have played 10 years in the Premier League with four or five hundred games, or I played 150 and I won two Premier Leagues and an FA Cup by not playing for Arsenal, I would much prefer the first option.

“It was very difficult to leave that football club but when it came down to it, all I ever wanted to do was play and that is what I am doing now and I’m grateful to Southampton.”

Ramsdale will return to the Emirates for the first time since his summer departure on Saturday, with the Saints looking for their first win of the season against a title-challenging Arsenal side.