AARON RAMSDALE talked about the thing that worried him the most after David Raya took over as Arsenal’s starting custodian.
Ramsdale, 26, was named to the PFA Team of the Year after a great season in goal for Arsenal in 2022–23. He helped Mikel Arteta’s team come close to winning the Premier League title.
But Raya, 29, quickly passed the now-Southampton star when he came in on loan from Brentford last season. Raya eventually signed a permanent deal in the summer.
That’s why the England player moved to St. Mary’s for £25 million during the summer transfer window.
The custodian finally talked about his time on the North Londoners’ bench, and he surprised everyone by saying what he hated most about his situation.
When Raya made a mistake in goal last season, the cameras would often cut to Ramsdale watching with the other subs.
It made the ex-Sheffield United star very angry every time the TV cameras moved to him to see what he thought.
He told the BBC, “It used to make me crazy.”
“When I got off the pitch, my wife would tell me, ‘You were on TV five times today, again.'”
“I don’t understand why they would pan to me on the bench when someone makes a save or a goal is scored.
I agree that the story got too big for what it was about. I believe it sometimes put stress on David as well.”
This is Ramsdale’s first trip back to the Emirates as an opponent since moving to Southampton. It takes place on Saturday.
The custodian also said Raya was the first person to text him after he left for Saints.
“I talked to David Seaman about my new contract and how I wanted to be there for eight to ten years like him,” Ramsdale said. After a few months, I was kicked off the team.
“I did everything I could to get David kicked off the team.” I believe the benefits are now being seen. He’s off to a great start this season.
“He was the first person from the Arsenal boys to text me about my move here.” No, he was great, the best.
“Like I said, he’s made some huge saves this season that have kept them in some games. I really hope he doesn’t have another one of those games on Saturday.”