Arsenal. Just the word itself is so strong. The definition of the word is: a collection or supply of weapons or munitions. Weapons? Weapons like Cesc, RvP, Theo, Hleb, Kolo, Gallas. Supply? Supply like all of our youngsters waiting in the wings. All of our young kids that AW has collected and nutured through the ranks.
You see, Arsenal is more than a word. It is the pulse that keeps my competitive heart beating. It is the tradition and love that reminds me so much of home. It is the one team that caught my eye when choosing a team to follow/support when watching my favorite football league in the world. It is and always will be in my heart until its last beat. Arsenal
I'm not from London, never been. I'm not from England, but can't wait to visit. See English football has a rich tradition and history that I may never know of. In its best form, its raw, and pure, and is the most exciting, phsycial, skilled footy on the planet (some will argue this). It has created rivalries that date back 100 years more, it has been thru war, depression, ups and downs, life and death. It has torn friendships apart, but created many at the same time. But the love, the excitement, the buzz of matchday, man I tell you there is nothing like it. And this is coming from someone who has yet to attend a game at all, especially an Arsenal game.
So you may ask why? Why Arsenal? Why did a good ol' yank choose my Arsenal? Well, that is one easy answer. Have you seen Arsenal play? Thats why, for the beautiful footy that was witnessed for the first time. For, the way that they nuture and breed players, instead of buying them with unlimited cash resources. For the tradition, the history, the past success. For the simple fact that they are not the Mancs, or Chelsea or Liverpool (which seems to be the majority favorite in the US). That is why I chose Arsenal. And I think they chose me. I was drawn to them, as if some form of footy magic directed me to them, and now, I'm here for good.
It's not always easy being an American supporting an English football team. One being the obvious reason of not being able to attend the games regulary if at all. Another is being behind in time by six hours. This causes some problems with catching live games. Fortunately I have this wonderful invention called satellite tv, that allows me to catch pretty much all of Arsenals games, I believe even more than most of you might get. One other great invention that helps me see games that I cannot watch live due to work is the DVR. Digital Video Recorder. The DVR and I have became good friends this past year, he never lets me down. And last but not least, the other invention that keeps me connected to my most beloved team is the internet. Yes, this has allowed me to keep up to date stats, coverage, rumors, and most of all knowledge about our Arsenal, and of course it has led me to this wonderful forum of great people that I hope to meet one day (well maybe except Ab_Fab, j/k
buddy). But even though it may be a little difficult from here across the pond, I wouldn't change a thing.See, I understand when some say only true supporters are English, or are from London, or can actually attend the games. I may have never been to a game yet, or sat at the clock end, or knuckled up with some yiddos. But, when I wake up I think Arsenal, when I go to bed I think Arsenal, when the wife is nagging at me I think Arsenal. When we lose, I feel sick and gutted, when we win I'm on cloud nine. I eat, sleep, breath, live and die Arsenal. And I will not let anyone take that away.
I have to admit, its not all bad. No matter what country I'm from or whoever reading this is from, we all share a love that is strong. And right now, it is a very good time to be a Gooner. Top of the League!!! So lets all sit back and enjoy being able to witness the fine form we're in at the moment, and lets all not forget why we've crossed paths in this world, and thats for the love and passion for a very fine football club that we call ARSENAL.
