POV: your @Arsenal fan club gets a surprise visit from Patrick Vieira 🤯

Matchday rituals with Amir 🇺🇸 My dad lived in the Finsbury Park area in the 1990s and attended multiple matches, being drawn to players like Ian Wright, Thierry Henry and the late Kevin Campbell. Arsenal has a special way of connecting with everyone from all walks of life. We’re a culture club. Growing up, he passed the fandom onto me and I’ve been hooked ever since. Being a supporter in America can be tough, because we wake up at 5-6am in the morning (even sometimes 4am) to watch the Premier League, but seeing those magical moments in real time makes it all worth it. As I’ve grown older and been able to travel a lot more, it’s made it all the more special. My first game at Emirates Stadium was our 2-0 win against Liverpool in 2013, and was even happier because Aaron Ramsey, who was one of my favourite players, scored. For my recent college graduation, we were able to put things on our sash that had a lot of meaning to us. I chose the Arsenal crest on my sash to signify its importance in my life and my journey throughout school. Over my four years at school, I have (but do not condone…) skipped a few classes to travel to London and go to the matches, so it was only fitting that I included that on there. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays during Champions League or midweek matches, I’m always seen donning one of my many Arsenal shirts on campus, and I honestly think the red and white is a defining characteristic of me for most people. My matchday traditions differ from time to time. When I’m in the USA, I usually wake up and go to a pub or set 10 alarms so that I can watch it live. I also want to give a special shoutout to my WhatsApp group chat across the pond in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. It’s with my roommates Ben, Alfie and Max, and we live text during every game. Our tradition whenever I’m in London is to go to the Twelve Pins near Finsbury Park before the match. The spirit of a matchday is something that’s very important and I’m grateful that as I’ve become old enough to travel on my own and with friends, I am able to witness a special time for our club and our club’s culture. Photos in collaboration with @brianchorski 📸

A big congratulations to our newest, Arsenal America branch: East Bay Gooners! They gather over at The Athletic Club Oakland (corner of Grand Avenue & Webster Street). They're not on X, but find them on Instagram, Facebook and their own page! eastbaygooners.com