New addition Aaron Ramsdale has said what the biggest difference is between Newcastle United and Arsenal fans.
The shot-stopper became the Magpies’ second signing of the summer transfer window, joining from Southampton on loan for an initial fee of £4million. However, Newcastle United have an option to buy Aaron Ramsdale next summer, though that fee is yet to be confirmed.
Ramsdale brings a lot of experience to the Magpies, having played Champions League football with Arsenal. But some Newcastle fans felt as though the 27-year-old was not the right player to sign, especially when the likes of James Trafford and Lucas Chevalier were linked.
Despite that, Ramsdale performed well on his Newcastle debut, saving a penalty in a friendly against RCD Espanyol. Ramsdale did not make his competitive debut for the Magpies against Aston Villa, with Nick Pope being favoured, but the hope is that fans will see him in the squad soon.
Ramsdale shared his honest chat with Eddie Howe before joining Newcastle, and the England international has now compared the Newcastle fans to those of Arsenal.
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Aaron Ramsdale speaks highly of Newcastle United fans after his loan move
Ramsdale thinks Newcastle are being written off, but he is adamant that there is still more success to come on Tyneside.
Working with Howe was one thing, but Ramsdale always knew the passion of the Newcastle fans, which was a reason why he decided to join.
Speaking to beIN Sport ahead of the new Premier League season, Ramsdale was asked how similar the Newcastle fans are to the Arsenal supporters.
“Yeah, I think on different levels. It’s almost like Arsenal’s very global, you have a lot of foreign fans, where this city is all Newcastle (fans),” he said.
“When I came up here the team were in Asia and I spent time with people in the training ground who I wouldn’t normally get to speak to, a lot of the chefs, the administration and the media. I managed to get a connection with them whereas you might only pass them by when the team are in.
“So I only brought enough clothes to last me, because I might’ve been going to Asia, so I had to walk into the town centre to go and get some t-shirts and socks and pants, so when you’re walking through, I got that straight away. Newcastle tops everywhere, people coming up, not necessarily wanting a picture, not necessarily wanting a chat, just saying ‘welcome to the city, have a great time’.”
Why Aaron Ramsdale did not play for Newcastle United against Aston Villa
Newcastle drew their first Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa, a goalless draw despite the Magpies having several big chances.
Some fans may have thought that Ramsdale would have played in the opener, but Pope was given the nod instead.
However, the plan was always for Pope to start the game. Reports have stated that Newcastle rejected offers for Pope, as Howe still sees him as a top goalkeeper for them.
The 33-year-old put in a brave performance at Villa Park, pulling off multiple calm saves. However, distribution with his feet is still a worry. That quality is something Ramsdale excels in, so Howe may look to make a change later down the line.
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