A Brighton player was criticised by his own supporters after joining Arsenal
Mat Ryan playing for Arsenal
Mat Ryan joined Arsenal from Brighton in 2021(Image: James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
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Goalkeeper Mat Ryan issued an apology to Brighton supporters over comments he made about his parent club soon after joining Arsenal on loan. The Australia international signed for the Gunners in January 2021 after being dropped by the Seagulls.
The experienced shot-stopper had spent more than three years as Brighton's first-choice in the Premier League. His run as number one came to an abrupt end in December 2020 as manager Graham Potter began to play Robert Sanchez ahead of him.
After being told he would be free to explore his options in the upcoming transfer window, Ryan joined Arsenal as backup to Bernd Leno. However, less than a month after leaving the Seagulls, the goalkeeper soured his relationship with Brighton fans after discussing his reasons for leaving the club.
"I had in my mind a little bit of a plan that I wanted to play a couple of seasons at Brighton and try and do well and hopefully be bought by a bigger club and keep progressing in my career," he told Optus Sport. "Perhaps it didn’t work out in the way of playing two, three seasons and then being bought for a fee as. No.1 and going and playing.
"But one way or another I’ve obviously ended up in a massive step up from Brighton and to another level of football."
Ryan, whose Brighton contract was scheduled to run until 2022, attracted anger from the fanbase for describing being Arsenal’s second-choice as a "massive step up". After his comments were shared by the TalkSeagulls account on Instagram, Ryan replied and issued an apology to supporters.
He wrote: "Hey mate, it’s been brought to my attention that there’s been a few people who’ve been upset/disappointed with some comments I’ve made in this interview and I want to apologise to anyone who has felt I’ve been disrespectful towards the club, this was not and never will be my intention.
"I recognise how people could have interpreted that through those comments and moving forward I’ll be sure to pay extra attention as to how I refer to the club to not have the same outcome.
Mat Ryan playing for Brighton
Ryan sought a move away from Brighton after being dropped by Graham Potter
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"The club will always have a special place in my heart as I said and I’ve got nothing but fond memories and wish all the best to you all for the remainder of the season and I’ll always continue to support the club because of our experiences together."
Ryan made 123 appearances for Brighton, more than any of his previous clubs. He was handed his Arsenal debut in February 2021, covering for the suspended Leno in a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
The Brighton loanee would make a further two appearances before the end of his loan spell. Although a permanent move to Arsenal did not materialise, Ryan was sold to Real Sociedad that summer.
Mat Ryan of Levante
Ryan signed for Levante in the summer
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The 33-year-old has subsequently had spells at Copenhagen, AZ Alkmaar, Roma and Lens. He is currently first-choice at Levante, who sit bottom of La Liga.
Meanwhile, Ryan's former clubs Arsenal and Brighton are set to meet in the Premier League this weekend. The Gunners host the Seagulls and will hope to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
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