Aaron Ramsdale brought his late grandfather’s ashes when he signed his Arsenal contract in a touching tribute following his official unveiling.
Ramsdale moves to Arsenal from Sheffield United in a transfer worth a reported £30 million (including add-ons).
Signed. Sealed. Delivered.
We’re right behind you, @AaronRamsdale98! ✊ pic.twitter.com/rp9AZhdnFA
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 20, 2021
And the goalkeeper poised for pictures with his grandfather’s ashes beside him.
What’s more, the player’s dad brings it to every match he goes to in a wonderful gesture.
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| Image: Arsenal/Aaron Ramsdale |
Ramsdale explained: “The day my mum found out she was pregnant with me was the day he died.
“He was called Ron and was from Bloxwich in Birmingham and they used to say, ‘Oh, we’re going to see our Ron.’
“So, I’m Aaron for ‘our Ron.’ When his ashes were spread my dad kept some of his ashes.
“He’s gone on a little tour of the 92 [teams in the Football League]!”
Day 1 ✅
📍 Arsenal Training Centre pic.twitter.com/4QfWdsshRZ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 20, 2021
The English keeper added: “My dad brings him all to the games and will have a picture with him in the stadiums.
“I did say in the car this morning that he wasn’t coming out but it was a nice touch… he would have been a footballer if his dad had allowed him and he was a goalkeeper so there are little connections between us both.
“My dad takes him everywhere. It keeps him close to his heart.”
Ramsdale joins the likes of Ben White and Martin Odegaard in signing for the Gunners this summer.
On snapping up the 23-year-old, Mikel Arteta said: “Aaron is a talented young keeper with huge experience and has international experience for England.
“He will bring competition and that’s what we want to create – healthy competition, quality competition in every position.
“We identified Aaron as the ideal option.”
Ramsdale could make his Arsenal debut against Chelsea on Sunday.
Featured Image Credit: Arsenal/Aaron Ramsdale