.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
Matt Turner's return to the New England Revolution was made official on Friday. In some ways, though, it began a few weeks ago. It didn’t begin with agent talks or negotiations, but with something more spontaneous: a visit.
On July 9, just days after the Gold Cup final, the U.S. international was back in New England. A quick glance at the schedule revealed a game against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, and Turner wanted to be there. A few texts were exchanged with familiar names with the Revs, and there Turner was, on the sidelines at Gillette Stadium, back at his old home.
"To walk in front of the supporters, I was a little nervous," Turner admitted on Monday in his first press conference since sealing his loan back to the club. "I was sweating just thinking about it. Just the way that I felt the love from them, it was special.
"It's been a while since I really felt those arms around me, and that was eye-opening, for sure. It's good to be back in an environment where you're loved."
A month ago, though, Turner couldn't have predicted he'd have the chance to come back. It took one of American soccer's weirder transfer sagas to get him there. It included a purchase by Lyon, an attempted reneging on the deal, and, ultimately, a solution that worked for all involved - a solution that brought Turner home.
This time, though, Turner isn't visiting, and he isn't back just to sit on the sidelines soaking in the love of a crowd. A World Cup spot is on the line, and, after being benched at this summer's Gold Cup, Turner knows the jeopardy he's in. If he wants to be the guy again next summer, as he was in 2022, he'll have to play and play well.
After several trying moments and life lessons, Turner is back in New England with a point to prove, both to those fans who cheered him on and to those in charge of the U.S. men's national team. Now back, Turner is eager to show that he's still the same guy who was a star during his first run in MLS. He’s also eager to show how much he’s grown since.
"I don't want to sour any milk, you know? I want to work," he said. "I want to continue the journey that I'm on here, and this place was a huge part of launching that journey as well. I don't want to be paraded around just to be Matt Turner. I know that the club is going through some difficult moments this season, and I want to bring that winning mentality back and create relationships that will last a lifetime."
"It's good to be back here right now, and I need to find my form leading into the World Cup," he added. "I think this is a really important opportunity for all of us."
