Matt Turner shares story about how he become a die-hard Arsenal fan

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Matt Turner has explained how he became an Arsenal fan over a decade ago when he was still in the United States.

The American joined us from MLS side New England Revolution in the summer. He revealed as soon as he signed that he has always been a Gooner, and the reason behind his allegiance is a very simple one.

How Matt Turner became an Arsenal fan

Arsenal are a global club. Arsene Wenger’s tremendous work when he was in charge made the Gunners one of the most popular sides in the world, and we have people from across the globe supporting us as a result.

Over 3500 miles away from North London in New Jersey, Turner got into football. He claims that he bought a copy of EA Sports’ popular FIFA video game, and since the first team that pops up while you’re picking a club is Arsenal, he chose to become a Gooner.

Over the last 12 years, he has been an Arsenal supporter and his dream finally came true when the Gunners signed him this year.

Turner told the Evening Standard: “I mean it’s not really the best story ever about supporting Arsenal. It was 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.

“But also I made that connection because 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.

“Obviously through the early 2010s there were some really great times to be an Arsenal fan and I would get up nice and early, depending on when the kick-off was. The 12.30 pm kick-off here was 7.30 am [in the US], so anytime Arsenal were playing I was doing my best to watch.

“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 expected to start again tomorrow

Turner has played every game in the Europa League so far this season.

In his three appearances, he has kept two clean sheets and has conceded just one goal. His improvement, especially with the ball at his feet, has been very evident, and he deserves immense praise for that.

Arsenal take on PSV Eindhoven in our fourth group-stage game in the Europa League tomorrow. A win will all but confirm our status as the group winners, which would be brilliant.

As he has done all season in this competition, Turner is expected to start in goal, and if he can keep another clean sheet, we should be able to pick up another win.