Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has outlined his dream of staying with Arsenal for the next decade and beyond as he aims to become a club legend. The Gunners are hoping to finish the 2022/23 campaign by winning the Premier League and Europa League in what would be a historic season for the club.
Ramsdale has been influential in Arsenal's Premier League title race against Manchester City, making a number of crucial saves that have seen the Gunners lose just three games from their 27 Premier League fixtures so far. The 24-year-old's performances this season saw him pick up the Goalkeeper of the Year Award at the London Football Awards ceremony on Monday night.
Manager Mikel Arteta was awarded for his fine work this season with the Manager of the Year gong, while Martin Odegaard took home the Premier League player award for a campaign in which he has managed 10 goals and seven assists already, beating off competition from the likes of Harry Kane. Bukayo Saka scooped up the Premier League Young Player of the Year award ahead of teammates Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba.
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Following the awards ceremony, Ramsdale outlined his dream of becoming a club legend at the Emirates Stadium and hopes to stay at Arsenal for the rest of his career. The Gunners star told BBC Radio London: "I'm honoured [to receive Goalkeeper of the Year award], a bit overwhelmed really with it being my first awards [ceremony], it's a huge honour."
When asked whether he has found a home at Arsenal, Ramsdale responded: "It was a difficult period, moving club to club and before that going on loan. I never imagined leaving Bournemouth after a year, never imagined leaving Sheffield United after a year.
"This is a place now where I can see myself for 10, 12, 15 years. That's the aim, that's the goal, to stay at the top for that amount of time. Hopefully I'll never have to leave and become a real hero & legend at this football club."
Ramsdale went on to praise Arteta for helping him settle into the club and for the trust the manager has shown in the young goalkeeper. The 24-year-old continued: "Absolutely, from the first phone call to the first day, he [Arteta] said, 'be yourself'.
"He didn't want me to hide behind an image or shy away from speaking up in the changing room. The first day I came here, thankfully I knew a few of the boys from previous clubs and England, so I was able to come in and show my character straight away, which definitely allowed me to express myself on the pitch."
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