Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner was ‘starstruck’ seeing Wayne Rooney but was then sent off after clattering into him during MLS match

Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner revealed seeing Wayne Rooney left him starstruck – before leaving the Manchester United and England legend in a heap.

Turner, who joined the Gunners in the summer, was at MLS side New England Revolution when he came up against Rooney, who was playing for DC United.

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He then got very close to Rooney indeed and was sent off for his troubles

The American said seeing Rooney down the tunnel left him in awe, however, he got even closer to him during the match, which resulted in Turner being sent off in May 2019.

As Rooney chased a long ball, Turner mistimed any attempt to get there first as he poleaxed his opponent, leaving the referee no choice but to send the keeper off.

Rooney later revealed he felt like he had ‘been in a car crash’ after the collision but thankfully got up in one piece.

Recounting meeting Rooney, Turner told Arsenal’s club media: “The first time I was starstruck was probably when I was in MLS and we were going up against DC United and Wayne Rooney.

“It was the first time I played him and I ended up like smashing him and getting a red card.

“Kind of a disaster but that was definitely the first time kind of going into the locker room thinking to myself, ‘I can’t believe I’ve just done that.’”

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Host Frimmy revealed he got so starstruck when seeing Arsenal legend Thierry Henry he was to shy to ask him for a picture.

Turner added: “I played against him a few times when he was the manager at Montreal. That was pretty cool as well.

“But that was after imprinting my knee on Wayne Rooney’s chest.”

Turner was given the nod by Mikel Arteta to start Arsenal’s Europa League clash at Bodo/Glimt, which the Gunners won 1-0.

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Turner played in the 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium against Bodo/Glimt and managed to stay out of trouble