Aaron Ramsdale says he has been more 'quiet' than usual in the dressing room this season and appreciates the 'special' support that Arsenal's fans and backroom staff have demonstrated during a 'challenging time'.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper joined Arsenal for £30 million with high expectations in 2021, but quickly became a fan favorite with his skilled performances in goal.
However, the Gunners completed a loan deal with Brentford for David Raya last summer and the Spaniard has taken over as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Ramsdale limited to just six Premier League appearances this season.
It leaves significant uncertainty over Ramsdale’s future ahead of the summer transfer window and recent reports indicated Arsenal were considering a move for the Colombus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte as a potential replacement for the England international.
In an earlier statement, Arsenal legend David Seaman said Ramsdale was 'too good to be a No.2' and urged the former Sheffield United man to consider his options for the good of his career, however painful that may be.
Now, in a detailed interview with Arsenal’s official website, Ramsdale, who still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current deal at the Emirates, has opened up on the challenging situation he finds himself in this season.
When asked how he was as a youngster compared to present day, he replied: 'I was more foolish than I am now!
'I was more easily influenced then as well, by those wanting me to have a laugh. Especially when I got into first-team dressing rooms, the older pros were always encouraging me to do things.
'But I’ve never really been silent. I always seemed to gravitate towards the older professionals and they always wanted me to just be myself.
'I’d say I’ve calmed down a bit now, because of where I’ve got to and the situation I’m in. You’ve got to be more reserved and pick your times of when to have a laugh and a joke.’
Ramsdale emphasized the crucial role that many unsung members of Arsenal’s staff play in 'being a shoulder to lean on' and keeping morale high when times are hard.
‘For me, the physios, masseurs, kitmen, restaurant staff – I’d actually say they are as important as the coaching staff for that side of it. For morale, team spirit and just being a shoulder to lean on, somebody to speak to away from the football world,’ he added.
‘It’s very well known that kitmen are usually the life and soul of a football club, and it’s no different here. But we also have so many people around the training ground in various roles.
‘Geri and Toni who work in the restaurant have been here for a long, long time, Dave in reception, Sean O’Connor obviously. They have seen everything and it’s good to talk with them about everything and anything.
‘These people are incredibly important for maintaining the well-being of a football club outside of the game itself.
‘The amount of games we play, coming back late from away matches, working for 20 days straight, or missing family events – it's helpful to discuss these things with others.
Ramsdale continued: ‘That's why I enjoy talking to Geri and Toni, for example. They are concerned about football, but even more so about your personal well-being.
‘They ask about your family every day, and you learn about their families too. This is especially helpful for players who are injured or out of form, as it takes your mind off football and makes your situation feel more normal.
‘After chatting with them, you can go downstairs and have Will and DJ, the kitmen, who always have some jokes.
‘Then you can have a massage from our five or six masseurs and one female masseuse. Depending on how you're feeling that day and who you want to talk to, they are available. These individuals are more important than anyone when it comes to team bonding.’
When asked if this has been especially true due to his lack of game-time this season, Ramsdale responded: ‘You could say that, but to be honest, I tend to spend a lot of time with the kitmen, or Stu the photographer, or Jonny the chef, or Toni and Geri.
‘Last year, myself, Dan who was our player liaison, Adam who works at the training ground, and Jonesy the kitman completed our Panini sticker albums. Every morning, I would spend hours in their office with them, swapping stickers.
‘Of course, they have all been helpful this season as well, especially Geri and Toni. Being a new father now, we can talk about that and it takes my mind off everything else.
‘I've always been close to the kitmen at any club I've been at, because they are always the most normal, down-to-earth people and they work really hard because the hours are crazy. They are passionate about their work, usually a bit eccentric, so I enjoy having a cup of tea with them.’
Ramsdale is grateful for the ‘extra special’ support shown by Arsenal fans, which has provided great comfort during his time on the outskirts this season.
‘Especially this year with the situation I’ve found myself in, they have been extra special. Even before games when my name is announced, I’ve heard the cheers, and as I warm up, people still want to give me a wave,’ he explained.
‘I think that’s kept me motivated more than I realized this season. Home and away, I've always felt the love, heard chants, and that’s not something the second goalkeeper will get at many other places. So, without a doubt, that’s been a massive boost for me.
‘It could have been easy going through the season thinking you are forgotten about, but it’s been special during a difficult time, with how much love they’ve shown.
‘Obviously fans have their favorites, but personally, I think they’ve shown huge respect to both goalkeepers.
'They have backed whoever has played, and I believe that demonstrates great solidarity from the fanbase. They desire the team to succeed, the team is the top priority, and I am extremely grateful for their contributions. Their overall support for the team is remarkable.'
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