Mikel Arteta reveals what he said to Aaron Ramsdale after emotional Arsenal reunion

Mikel Arteta has revealed the details of his post-match conversation with Aaron Ramsdale, stating that he wished the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper "all the best".

Ramsdale made his first return trip to the Emirates Stadium following his move to Southampton in the summer, and received a huge reception from Arsenal fans upon his return - a reception that brought the Saints goalkeeper to tears.

The goalkeeper, who played 89 games in all competitions for the Gunners, was also warmly received by manager Arteta after the full-time whistle, who stood and conversed with him for a period after Arsenal's 3-1 win.

Speaking to the press after the game, Arteta revealed the details of the conversation, saying: "I wished him all the best, and congratulate on the way that they played as well.

"I wish him the best and I hope that they do, especially for the manager and Aaron as well because they are a very good side."

Prior to the game, Ramsdale opened up about his Arsenal exit, admitting that he had to leave the club after struggling for minutes in his final season on the books thanks to the arrival of David Raya - making just six Premier League appearances in 2023/24.

“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.”

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