Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner has revealed an amusing story on how he started supporting Arsenal. Turner, 28, made the switch from his home nation in the summer after agreeing to join the club earlier this year.
The goalkeeper has been second fiddle to Aaron Ramsdale for Mikel Arteta's side and has started all three Europa League games against FC Zurich and Bodo/Glimt. Turner has conceded only one goal for the club, keeping two clean sheets against the Norwegian side.
Arsenal welcome Dutch side PSV to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow evening in a rescheduled fixture. The tie was originally set to take place on Thursday, September 15 but was postponed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Victory over Ruud van Nistelrooy's side would confirm their progress to the knockout round of the competition.
READ MORE: The five PSV players Mikel Arteta can scout for Arsenal during crucial Europa League clash
The fixture provides Turner with another chance to catch Arteta's eye and increase his match sharpness ahead of next month's World Cup in Qatar. Turner faces tough competition with New York City's Sean Johnson, Middlesbrough's Zack Steffen and Luton Town's Ethan Horvath for the number one strip in the United States side.
And despite being born and raised in America, the goalkeeper has revealed to football.london how he came about supporting the Gunners prior to his move, and it's quite an amusing story.
"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 12.30pm kick-off here was 7.30am [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."
READ NEXT:
Stan Kroenke handed £504m bill that could hit Edu and Mikel Arteta transfer plans at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta pushed to repeat £25m plan for Arsenal's Hale End superstar amid full-back decision
Why Arsenal vs Man City Premier League clash was postponed and when it could be rearranged
Premier League plot major season changes that will impact Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
