Former Arsenal star reveals why he made the hard decision to leave this summer

In a surprising move during the 2023 summer transfer window, 29-year-old goalkeeper Matt Turner left Arsenal to join Premier League side Nottingham Forest. Turner has now revealed the reasons behind his decision to leave the Gunners.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Turner expressed his frustration at not getting enough playing time towards the end of the season. He believed that there were games where he could have made a significant contribution but was not given the opportunity.

“Towards the end of the season. I felt like there’s games that I could have been playing, that I wasn’t even getting really a sniff of them.” said Matt Turner telling Associated Press.

“I was training really well, doing I felt like everything in my power to get myself minutes on the team and that just wasn’t happening for me.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, interacts with Matt Turner of Nottingham Forest following the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“I knew that if I waited another year, it probably would have been more challenging for me to make a lateral move within the Premier League.”

Despite training well and giving his all to earn minutes on the team, Turner felt that his efforts were not being recognized by Arsenal’s coaching staff. Realizing that waiting another year would make it even more challenging for him to secure a move within the Premier League, he made the decision to join Nottingham Forest.

Turner’s move to Nottingham Forest represents a fresh start for him and an opportunity to prove himself in a new environment.