David Seaman has told Aaron Ramsdale that Arsenal fans will ‘never forget’ his ‘massive contribution’ to getting the club back in the Champions League following his deadline-day move to Southampton.
Ramsdale completed a £25m move to Southampton on Friday, signing a four-year contract at St Mary’s with the option of another 12 months.
The 26-year-old was Mikel Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper a little over a year ago but was displaced by ex-Brentford star David Raya.
Ramsdale barely played for Arsenal last season, leaving him no choice but to push for a move away from the Emirates Stadium.
‘Wishing the very best of luck to a great friend and goalie Aaron Ramsdale as he makes his move to the Saints, a great opportunity to see him playing in the Premier League again,’ Arsenal legend Seaman posted on X.
‘We’ll never forget his match-winning saves and massive contribution to getting us back into the Champions League again.
‘I look forward to watching his progress and the continuation of his career from afar! See you on the golf course soon mate. Good luck!’
Ramsdale made 89 appearances for Arsenal following a £26m move from Sheffield United in 2021.
Following his switch to the south coast, Ramsdale said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted.
‘The way the manager wants to play, the way he was when I spoke to him, he was just full of so much enthusiasm.
‘I’d never met him before but he made me feel about eight feet tall, which is just what you want.’
Southampton secured promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs last season and have endured a tough start back in the top-flight, losing their opening two games without scoring a goal.
Ramsdale could make his Saints debut on Saturday when Russell Martin’s side travel to west London to face Brentford.
Arsenal moved quickly to secure a deal for Ramsdale’s replacement, signing Brazil international Neto on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.
Neto was club captain at Bournemouth but was set to be replaced in the team by new Cherries signing Kepa Arrizabalaga, who joined on loan from Chelsea.
‘I’m realising a dream in my life, a dream come true, and I’m really, really happy,’ Neto said on his move to Arsenal.
‘I had two dreams as a kid to play for a football team. It was my team in Brazil, where I grew up and became a professional footballer, and also Arsenal. And now I’m realising it! I’m a really lucky person.
‘To all the supporters of Arsenal, I’d just like to say I’m one more fan here. My dream has come true, I’m really happy. Depend on me, I’ll give more than 100% to give everything for Arsenal.’
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