Aaron Ramsdale: 'I can’t wait to play at the Vitality again'

For the 24-year-old keeper, he simply calls it “home”.

While there were many difficult moments during the unprecedented 2019-20 Project Restart season, which saw Cherries relegated, Ramsdale was certainly a shining light for Eddie Howe’s men throughout.

Propelled in by Howe much to the shock of many at the start of the campaign, having previously spent time on loan at Chesterfield and AFC Wimbledon, Stoke-born Ramsdale’s performances set tongues wagging around the town.

Seeing off the likes of experienced duo Asmir Begovic and Artur Boruc to claim a starting spot, the then rookie stopper’s displays earned him a move back to Sheffield United in August 2020 after relegation with the Dorset club.

From there, the charismatic keeper has shot to superstardom.

Ramsdale has become an England international with three senior caps, as well as sealing a big-money move to Arsenal, signing a long-term deal with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners in August 2021.

But with the north London side set to head to Vitality Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm), Ramsdale will not forget the place where his top-flight dream became a reality.

Asked whether Bournemouth would have a special place in his heart, the stopper told the Daily Echo: “Always.

“Sheffield and Bournemouth. Sheffield for getting me on the footballing area as you would say and Bournemouth for giving me that one chance to get into the Premier League.”

He added: “I can’t wait to play at the Vitality again.

“I had an unbelievable attachment to the fans and I still do.

“I came back to a game last season and I had pictures galore, people saying hello and my mum and dad still come down and watch games every now and then.

“It’s going to be a great day. For 90 minutes, we are a little bit enemies but after that we are going to be great friends again and it’s something I can’t wait for.

“It will be great to see the lads play. It will be a difficult day for myself on the pitch – but also emotions as well.”

One man Ramsdale is set to compete with at the other end on Saturday is someone he developed alongside – Mark Travers.

Once part of a goalkeeping group which included himself, Travers, Begovic and Boruc, along with coaches Neil Moss and Anthony White, Ramsdale formed a close bonds with his fellow fledgling stopper.

Quizzed whether he always thought both he and Travers would become top-level keepers, Ramsdale replied: “I definitely knew he would go on to great things. You could see it at an early age.

“I met him a long time ago when he came on trial at Sheffield United, when I was there as a 16-year-old and he was 15.

“You could tell he was a good footballer and all he needed was that run of games, which he got last season.

“The proof was in the pudding – golden glove, promotion to the Premier League, new contract and hopefully he can start all the games this season.

“I am looking forward to seeing Travs play. He was amazing last season, he was very complimentary to myself.

“He deserves all the credit he’s got at the moment and I can’t wait to share the pitch with him.”

Ramsdale was speaking with the Daily Echo, having watched good friends and Bournemouth boxers Chris Billam-Smith and Lee Cutler wow the home crowds with victories at the BIC last month.

He also got the chance to catch up with a number of Cherries’ squad, as well as chief executive Neill Blake, who was present at the event.

“It was great to see them come out and support Chris,” added the Arsenal star.

“He obviously comes and watches the lads, so it’s great to see them return the favour. I got to see about 10 familiar faces, which is always nice.

“I have great memories here, great friends and I do call it home. I still live down here in my house so whenever I get the chance, I come back.

“This will be my home. It will be my home when I retire and I can’t wait to make more memories here watching Chris fight, Lee fight, coming to see my mates and just making a family down here.”