Below is a section of Millie Turner’s interview from Sunday’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup Final matchday programme, which can be purchased on the day outside Wembley Stadium or ordered online here.
Competing for silverware at Wembley Stadium is a dream for any footballer. For Manchester United stalwart Millie Turner, however, even being in contention for Sunday’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup Final with Chelsea has extra significance.
Little more than a year ago, shortly after returning from a dislocated kneecap, the 26-year-old Reds defender had serious concerns that her playing days were over after suffering an incredibly rare condition – carotid artery dissection – which required an immediate a six-month sabbatical from any physical activity and put her career both on short-term hold and in long-term doubt.
What first manifested as a growing beat in her ear last January quickly snowballed into slurred speech and discombobulation that, after a series of tests, was diagnosed as a torn artery between her heart and brain.
Immediately consigned to a watching brief for the second half of the 2021-22 campaign, Turner returned to training last June and steadily worked her way back into contention for Marc Skinner’s side.
“Going through the injury that I went through definitely makes me appreciate everything as a footballer,” said the Wilmslow-born centre-back.
“To feel like it can be taken away from you, to then come back and be able to get out on the pitch with the girls, you just appreciate everything and you enjoy it a lot more.
“There was a point in time when I didn’t know if I’d actually be able to return to playing football again, so to be back is just an unbelievable feeling. Coming back from that injury was a massive moment for me and one I’m really proud of.”
Turner’s comeback trail has included a starring role in United’s most competitive BWSL title race since the club’s 2018 formation, plus ever-presence in the Reds’ run to Sunday’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup Final.
“We all love the fans, they’re incredible,” she grinned. “We hear them every single week. They follow us everywhere. It’s incredible.
“And the squad’s togetherness is second to none, it’s better than I’ve ever experienced at any other club and I’m lucky to be a part of it.
“It’s like a family. We come in every day and love being here. There are no cliques, everyone just gets on like a family and loves each other genuinely from the bottom of their hearts. We all go out on the pitch and fight for each other.”
As United gear up for an enormous battle at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Millie Turner has already shown that she has the stomach for it.
