BEN CLOSE remembers being a fan at some of Portsmouth’s greatest matches — now he wants to serve one up as a player for the club he loves.
Arsenal visit the South Coast tomorrow night with League One promotion chasers Pompey looking to test the mettle of Mikel Arteta’s side in what will be a red-hot atmosphere at Fratton Park.
Ben Close is desperate to carve his name into Pompey folklore by inspiring an FA Cup upsetCredit: Rex Features
Close, 23, knows all about being part of the celebrations as a supporter and is desperate to carve his own place in Pompey folklore by inspiring an FA Cup upset.
The midfielder, born overlooking Fratton Park, said: “I’m really proud to be a Pompey fan.
“The things I enjoyed in the stands as a fan were great but to be able to do it as a player, to go and win a trophy at Wembley, to compete in play-offs and now to face Arsenal in the FA Cup, is great.
“I just want more memories like that to come. It’s especially special for me.
“I don’t see many other players who’ve been fortunate to get that chance.
“To be able to watch Pompey when we were finishing in the top half of the Premier League was incredible and then the European football nights at Fratton Park.
“The AC Milan one in 2008 was incredible.
“I went to watch the Milan team train the day before and waited to get signatures from Ronaldinho and Kaka.
The 23-year-old has been a life-long Portsmouth fanCredit: Rex Features
“I’ve still got the ball they signed at my mum’s house.”
The last time the Gunners faced Pompey in the FA Cup, the London side cruised to a 5-1 win in 2004.
That fixture heralded a remarkable sight as Thierry Henry was given a standing ovation by the home fans and returned for a lap of honour wearing a Pompey shirt.
Close added: “I was too young to be at that game but I’ve seen the aftermath of it with Thierry Henry in the Pompey shirt on a lap of honour, applauding the fans.
“He gave us some great reviews afterwards.
“We know it’s going to be a big occasion and we are going to enjoy it.
“But to make it really memorable you’ve got to win the game.
“Wembley last year in the Football League Trophy final was only a memorable occasion because we won the game and that’s going to be the same with Monday night.
“We can only look back with great memories if we go on and win.
“If we lose the game, it’s just going to be a night you only look back on as a good occasion but we lost.
“We’re really looking forward to it but fully determined to win the game.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
