Ramsdale Claims “Difficult” Blades Experience Played Key Role In England World Cup Call Up

Ramsdale Claims “Difficult” Blades Experience Played Key Role In England World Cup Call Up

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale says the relegations he suffered with Sheffield United and Bournemouth have given him a “strong backbone”.

The 24-year-old has been selected in England’s squad for the World Cup but he says that, without those learning “experiences”, where he had to battle back from major setbacks, he wouldn’t be where he is today:

“I’ve learnt so much in terms of different experiences. I’m now learning the side of the game being top of the table, being in Europe, being in the England squad. Those tough moments when certain people have a different outlook… It’s a game of football. I’ve been able to live my life as well.If I was too emotionally involved with football I would have struggled to mentally carry on. It is something I really needed.”

“I didn’t want [relegation] to happen twice [with Bournemouth and United] but it did. But I’m here now with that strong backbone which is fundamentally my base. It is really enjoyable at the moment and that hard work, you reap your rewards. I’m here now but that does not mean anything. I have to get my head down to try and get into the team.”

United sold Ramsdale for £24m, with an additional £6m in add-ons, which on the face of it is not a bad return, considering they had just been relegated to the Championship.

After Ramsdale’s departure, the Blades have had some issues in the goalkeeping department. Robin Olsen struggled after being brought in from Roma, but Wes Foderingham has certainly been a lot more reliable since he was installed as the club’s number one twelve months ago.

For Ramsdale, he is unlikely to get any game time at the World Cup but, with Arsenal top of the Premier League, he will be looking forward to returning to club action next month.