Exclusive: Aaron Ramsdale hails impact of Arsenal fans - 'They drove us on in so many games'
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Updated 20/07/2023 at 13:31 GMT+1
Arsenal's improved home atmosphere in recent years has not gone unnoticed by goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has praised fans for their seemingly unwavering support. The Gunners stopper spoke exclusively to TNT Sports to discuss his relationship with fans and how the players want to repay their support. "The past 18 months have been incredible - last year especially," Ramsdale said.
Exclusive: 'I love them for that' - Ramsdale opens up on relationship with Arsenal fans
Video credit: TNT Sports
In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale has hailed the ‘incredible’ support from fans at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners launched an impressive title charge last season, but despite coming unstuck in the final weeks of the campaign, Ramsdale partly attributes their performances to the positive atmosphere generated by supporters, particularly at home.
After notable vocal displeasure in the stands at the tail end of Arsene Wenger’s reign as manager as well as under Unai Emery, the goalkeeper has credited Mikel Arteta for helping create a more positive environment at the club since his arrival in 2019.
"The past 18 months have been incredible - last year especially," Ramsdale said in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports.
“There have been times where one of us would make a mistake or we just go a goal behind and you wouldn't really hear the away fans cheering because the home fans would be up cheering us like we just scored a goal telling us it's okay.
“So yeah, they drove us on in so many games and you just knew that as long as we were in the game for 96 minutes, they were there to the end. We scored so many late goals and their support was huge for us.
“We like to entertain them as well and hopefully we can carry on doing that.”
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Video credit: TNT Sports
With the ground, and Arsenal’s previous home stadium, labelled a ‘library’ by rival fans due to a perceived lack of atmosphere, Gunners fans have gone some way to transforming their reputation in recent years.
The growth of fan groups, such as the ‘Ashburton Army’ and ‘Red Action’ permanently stationed in specific sections of the stadium have undoubtedly played a role.
The improved support has not gone unnoticed by Ramsdale who is grateful for the vocal support he receives in particular, and the stopper hopes he can pay back their loyalty with success on the pitch.
“Amazing,” he said of his relationship with the fans. “Ever since I first played and put on the shirt, they've loved me, given me encouragement.
“You know, it can be a lonely place, being a keeper and you can make mistakes and they never got on top of me and they've always helped me through if I have made a mistake. I love them for that.
“They pay good money to see entertaining football and see the passion of players and celebrating with them and things like that.
“So that's what I try to do.”
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