Matt Turner is just like so many American soccer fans, except for the part where he plays professionally.
Speaking with reporters ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League match against PSV, Turner said that he started following the Gunners well before the London club brought him to the Premier League. In fact, he followed one of the most traditional American fan routes for picking a team in Europe, with Arsenal being his preferred team in the FIFA video game series.
“After the World Cup in 2010 I bought my first game of FIFA, and when it says ‘What club do you want to support or select?’ obviously ‘A’ came up first and Arsenal was there,” said Turner, adding that it played into a different, more personal connection. “My sisters both played for a local club team that was called The Arsenal, and so I just made that connection right there and kind of stuck with it.”
Turner added that as he got older, he followed another American tradition, heading to pubs bright and early to catch Arsenal’s Premier League matches.
“The 12:30pm kickoff here was 7:30am (on the east coast), so anytime Arsenal were playing I was doing my best to watch,” said Turner. “As I got a bit older I got into the pub culture in New York City and I have been around the fans for those types of atmospheres as well.”
Turner, Arsenal prep for PSV
Turner is expected to get another start in European competition Thursday against PSV. A win at the Emirates Stadium would guarantee Arsenal a place in the knockout rounds, and put them into an ideal place to win group A, which comes with a bye straight into the tournament’s round of 16.
Still, Turner is focused on earning his appearances.
“Playing for this great club is such an honor and I do not take it for granted. As an American player, I did not think (playing for Arsenal) would be possible. To play meaningful minutes for Arsenal is something special,” explained Turner. “My goal is to take this as far as I possibly can, to the highest level possible.”
That includes a potentially busy day at the office. PSV may be two points behind Arsenal, but they’re by far the highest-scoring team in the group with 11 goals from three games. Mikel Arteta praised Turner after his performance in a 1-0 win at Bodø/Glimt, and the U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper will likely have to match or better that showing if Arsenal’s unblemished record is to continue.
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