"Disaster" - Arsenal star opens up on going viral for "horrible" error, it almost made him quit football

Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner opened up about a horrible goalkeeping mistake that almost made him quit football.

The USMNT goalkeeper joined the Gunners from New England Revolution during the summer in a £9million deal but has since been back-up to England’s Aaron Ramsdale.

Turner has been utilised between the sticks in the Europa League, having played four of the club's six games in the competition and even recorded an assist.

However, for his national side, the 28-year-old started the US’ last two friendly matches before the World Cup and is likely to be in goal for Gregg Berhalter’s side when they take on England in the second group game of the tournament.

It could all have been different for the Arsenal shot-stopper after his howler received viral attention while he was a student.

‘Disaster Strikes’

Turner spent two years as a backup goalkeeper while at Fairfield. When he was finally given a chance, however “disaster” struck.

An Iona College player took a long-range shot that rattled against the crossbar and flew into the air. Under no pressure whatsoever Turner went to catch the arcing ball but instead fumbled it into his net.

Speaking to USMNT’s media team, Turner explained: “At Fairfield [University] you go through two years of never seeing the field and then you work hard and you're honing your craft and you're getting better and better.

“I finally got the opportunity to play in a game and disaster strikes.

“I score a horrible own goal and end up on ESPN’s ‘Not Top 10’ - the number one play.

“I remember reading people’s comments on the play and the horrible things they said about me.

“I really considered walking away from the game completely.”

With the support of his coaches, however, Turner kept playing and by 2016 was playing MLS football for New England Revolution.