Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has won hearts as he stood up to financially support his former teammate Connor Dimaio on a career-saving operation.
The non-league club Matlock Town has begun a fundraising campaign to help pay for the knee surgery that midfielder Connor Dimaio needs. After suffering a devastating knee injury, former Stockport County and Sheffield United player Connor Dimaio now require ACL reconstruction, and the club is “prioritizing” having him undergo private surgery.
Due to lengthy NHS wait times, the 27-year-old is unable to treat himself and is now trying to raise £6000 to pay for private surgery.
Matlock Town contacted Derby County fans last week in an effort to raise the necessary funds, and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has agreed to cover a portion of the bill. Arsenal No. 1 stepped in to help, donating £1000 to the effort. The England keeper left a message stating that Dimaio is a legend and that he should get this opportunity because he is deserving.
. @Arsenal's number one @AaronRamsdale98 coming through with an incredible donation.
Aaron and Connor were team mates at @SheffieldUnited & @ChesterfieldFC. We can not thank @AaronRamsdale98 enough 💙🤍https://t.co/yflKr5QIMj #Arsenal #ARSLEE #Gladiators pic.twitter.com/pNeTeWiOyt
— 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗙𝗖 | Est 1878 (@Matlock_TownFC) April 1, 2023
In the past, Ramsdale and Dimaio shared rosters with each other while playing for Sheffield United and Chesterfield, respectively. Ramsdale’s generous donation helped Matlock Town reach its target, as they have confirmed via Twitter.
The £6,000 total needed for Matlock Town midfielder Connor Dimaio's ACL operation has now been raised, with Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale who was his teammate donating £1,000 pic.twitter.com/KgELATHU8J
— Thomas Feaheny (@ThomasFeaheny) April 2, 2023
Matlock Town boss wishes Connor Dimaio the best health
“We all want to come together and show our support for Connor and his family after his devastating injury which has hit us all hard,” said Matlock boss Martin Carruthers.
“He is a fantastic young man and we all want to ensure he recovers as quickly as possible and he can return to the Gladiators in the new year fitter and stronger than before.
“The PFA will help support his operation but we still need to help support Connor and his family in this difficult financial climate to ensure they can survive with the increasing living costs and also help support them with their newborn child.
Thank you to everyone that has supported the cause! I can’t thank you all enough. Really overwhelmed 💙⚽️ pic.twitter.com/MHiV5k8uTV
— Connor Dimaio (@dimaio31) April 1, 2023
“We have to look after our own and ensure he gets the best medical treatment as he will be a valuable asset for us and will be like a new signing the quicker we can get him back and fully rehabilitated.”
