“It was tough” - Ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale opens up on conversation with Mikel Arteta before Emirates exit 

Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale has opened up on the details of a conversation he had with Mikel Arteta before leaving the club this summer.

Ramsdale joined the north Londoners from Sheffield United in 2021 and quickly became Mikel Arteta's first-choice goalkeeper. The England international registered 34 Premier League appearances during the 2021-22 season.

He went on to play every single minute of league action the following term in a hard-fought title race against Manchester City. However, after David Raya's arrival on loan from Brentford last summer, Ramsdale fell down the pecking order at Arsenal.

Ramsdale appeared for the Gunners initially last season before Raya replaced him as Arteta's No. 1 between the sticks. The England international, who was keen on an exit in search of game time, secured a move to Southampton this summer.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Ramsdale revealed that he tried convincing Arteta in order to get back into his starting XI, but his efforts were to no avail. He said (via GOAL):

"I tried my best to change his mind and force my way back in. His mind was set and at the same time David had a great season. You can have all the upset or qualms about being taken out but when someone else is delivering, you’ve just got to take it on the chin. It was tough but I’ve found a new home and I’m looking forward to playing again."

"You move on, there’s no bad blood and you’ve got to restart your career again. It was a really difficult season but my character and personality, I started the game by enjoying it but when it gets taken away, it’s tough. That’s why unfortunately you have to move on but I’m happy about where I’m at now.”

The Gunners will next face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (September 15).

Aaron Ramsdale reveals that he still speaks to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

During the aforementioned interview with talkSPORT, Ramsdale also revealed that he still remains in contact with Mikel Arteta. The English shot-stopper insists that there is no bad blood between him and his former boss.

He said:

“Yeah, I only spoke to him last week. What he did for me in my time at Arsenal, I can only thank him for and he thanked me for my contribution as well."

Arsenal returned to the UEFA Champions League last season for the first time in seven years. Under Arteta's leadership, the Gunners have returned to challenging for titles and playing the best teams in Europe, and Ramsdale believes the manager must make hard decisions to achieve such feats.

He added:

“As a football club, getting back into the Champions League and pushing for a trophy and ultimately as manager’s do they often make decisions that upset people. He made that decision, but we still speak."

Ramsdale concluded:

“I’m looking forward to getting some games under my belt here. We play them in a few weeks time which will be a nice return."

Arsenal will face Southampton in the Premier League on October 5.