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Russell Martin says Aaron Ramsdale is “hungry” to become England’s number one after the goalkeeper completed a move to Southampton.
Ramsdale sealed a permanent transfer to Saints from Arsenal on deadline day in a deal which could rise to £25million, the PA news agency understands.
The 26-year-old lost his place in the Arsenal side to David Raya last season, but will aim to get back on track at newly-promoted Southampton who visit Brentford on Saturday eager to earn a first point back in the Premier League.
“He is hungry to become England’s number one again and he wants to be here. I think that is so important,” Martin told a press conference.
“If you had asked me four or five weeks ago, ‘would we have had a chance of signing Aaron Ramsdale?’. I would have thought you were probably crazy but then we’ve spoke a fair bit over that period of time.
“Yeah, I’ve pestered him a little bit and even a week ago I would have probably thought it is not achievable, but worth trying still. Then he’s seen the way we’ve played, he’s watched the first couple of games and I think he admires the courage of the players and the way they play.
“I think he knows he has a chance to express himself and come in and show everyone what a good goalkeeper he is.
“I think he has been frustrated over the last year at the lack of playing time, but he brings winning mentality, big character, big voice.
“We’re quite a quiet group in terms of because we’re a young group. So, I think he brings experience, attitude, winning mentality and I think he’ll be great.”
Ramsdale told the official club website: “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.
“Coming back down to the south coast as well for me and my family, it would be an easier transition than most, so I feel like I can hit the ground running.”
Ramsdale has signed a four-year deal and is the latest face through the door at Southampton after a busy summer since promotion in May in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final.
Martin added: “The owners with Aaron, they have backed us hugely with that signing. It is maybe one people didn’t expect, so I am really grateful for that.
“I am convinced that Aaron and us as a group will repay that faith and what they’ve done for us.”
