Aaron Ramsdale’s confession leaves Ian Wright shocked: he struggles to concentrate during a full match and relies on fan abuse to refocus, sparking criticism from Arsenal supporters for exposing a ‘massive weakness.’

A clip has resurfaced of Aaron Ramsdale admitting to Arsenal legend Ian Wright that he enjoys interacting with fans during games because he cannot focus for a full match.

Ramsdale is enduring a difficult period at the Emirates after losing his No 1 spot to David Raya this season having been Mikel Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper for the previous two campaigns.

The 25-year-old played a key role in Arsenal’s title push last season, but has received some criticism for engaging in ‘banter’ with fans during matches. However, over the summer, Ramsdale explained to Wright the reason behind his on-field antics.

‘If you ask me to focus on a game of football for 90 minutes I’m finished. I can’t do it,’ he told Wright and UK rapper Bugzy Malone on Behind The Game.

‘So that’s why I get involved with the fans and I sing along with the songs. Someone’s giving me abuse, I’ll turn around and give them a bit back. 

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‘I have had my two/three minutes of sort of madness in my head – straight back to the football. I’ve got 10/15 minutes of pure concentration again. Next thing you know, half-time is around.’

As Ramsdale opened up on his difficulties with avoiding distractions, Wright could not hide his astonishment at what he was hearing.

The former Gunners star was left with his mouth wide open looking stunned by Ramsdale’s admission and he was not the only one.

Supporters have also been reacting to the clip on social media, and feel Ramsdale made a huge mistake in making it public that he struggles to focus during games.

‘What the actual hell has this brother done. This is a massive weakness. Dude should have been working on it ever since he realized and make sure no one else does,’ one fan posted on X.

Another focused on Wright’s response, replying to the video clip: ‘Ian Wright’s reaction and facial expression says it all.’

Meanwhile, one fan pointed out that Ramsdale getting distracted had cost Arsenal in the past as they wrote: ‘I remember our game vs Southampton we lost it because he saw a bird.’

The game the supporter is referring to actually ended in a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s last October, but did see Arsenal drop two points as Ramsdale appeared to take multiple looks at a bird going across his goalmouth before Stuart Armstrong was played through on goal and slotted past him.

Ramsdale’s issues with staying focused may have played a part in Arteta’s decision to move on from the shot-stopper this season, and the player himself admitted he fears for his place in the England squad ahead of next summer’s Euros if he keeps being overlooked at club level.

Ramsdale’s father, Nick, has conceded his son has ‘lost that smile’ since being dropped, but is adamant he will continue to ‘fight to win titles’ with the club rather than leaving to go elsewhere.