Aaron Ramsdale aims dig at Mikel Arteta and dresses up as Hagrid after sealing Southampton transfer
Aaron Ramsdale has aimed a dig at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after joining Southampton on transfer deadline day
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Aaron Ramsdale has aimed a dig at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after joining Southampton on transfer deadline day.
The England international has left north London after struggling for game time, with David Raya often ahead of him in the pecking order last season.
Ramsdale previously joined Arsenal in 2021 after Arteta made it clear he'd be his No 1 goalkeeper.
He was limited to just 11 appearances last term, however, and has now left to join Southampton after being deemed surplus to requirements.
Aaron Ramsdale has aimed a dig at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after joining Southampton on transfer deadline day
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Wolves goalkeeper Neto is set to arrive as his replacement.
And Ramsdale has now aimed a sly dig at Arteta, suggesting he's not been happy but is now eager to get back to playing with a 'smile on my face'.
“I’m absolutely delighted," he said.
"The way the manager wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm.
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"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.”
An image uploaded on Southampton's X account shows Ramsdale dressed up as Rubeus Hagrid from Harry Potter as he penned his deal.
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Ramsdale previously dressed as the character while watching the Saints beat Leeds in the final of the play-offs back in May.
Southampton boss Russell Martin has admitted he's pleased to acquire Ramsdale's services as he looks to keep his team in the Premier League.
Addressing the 26-year-old's arrival, he said: “I’m delighted.
"Bringing in a player like Aaron is a real statement signing for us, so I’m very grateful to ownership and the board for making it happen, especially as so many other clubs were keen to get him.
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— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 30, 2024
“Aaron is obviously a very talented goalkeeper, but also an impressive all-round football player, which is clearly important for us with the way we play.
“His reputation speaks for itself, he brings great experience even at what is still a relatively young age at his position and he’s a fantastic character too, who I think will be a wonderful addition for us both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
“I’m really delighted with the goalkeeper group we have moving forward, who I’m sure will all drive each other on.
Aaron Ramsdale fell down Mikel Arteta's pecking order at Arsenal before joining Southampton on transfer deadline day
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“Aaron is obviously a very talented goalkeeper, but also an impressive all-round football player, which is clearly important for us with the way we play.
“His reputation speaks for itself, he brings great experience even at what is still a relatively young age at his position and he’s a fantastic character too, who I think will be a wonderful addition for us both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
“I’m really delighted with the goalkeeper group we have moving forward, who I’m sure will all drive each other on.