Bournemouth midfield ace Harry Arter says Manchester City hold no fear after his off-field devastation of losing baby daughter
Arter’s fiancee gave birth to a stillborn daughter, Renee, in December 2015 and is now expecting another daughter
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FACING David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne and Yaya Toure would give most midfield players pre-match nerves.
But not Harry Arter.
For the Bournemouth ace has already overcome one of life’s biggest challenges.
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Arter’s fiancee, Rachel, gave birth to a stillborn daughter, Renee, in December 2015.
And that off-the-pitch devastation puts into context his day job, which tomorrow includes pitting his wits against Manchester City’s formidable midfield trio.
Arter said: “One thing that has helped and taught me is that life is so short. There is no time to be nervous.
“I’m privileged to play football every day and I feel lucky. So there will be no nerves when facing Man City on Monday night.
“You understand life doesn’t last forever and you appreciate the small things in life. What happened put everything into perspective. You now laugh at the silly things you used to moan about.
“I think anyone who has been through something like this will relate to that.”
Arter’s football story has been an inspiration on the pitch after his rise from non-league to the Premier League as well as the international stage with the Republic of Ireland.
He has also been an inspiration to many others off the pitch, with his charity work and the dignified way he has handled such a tragedy.
But there is good news at the end of the dark tunnel, with Rachel due to give birth to another girl in London this week.
Arter said: “Rachel’s good, she’s got less than a week left now before the due date. I’m excited about the birth.
“Yes, there is the worry side of it but we have managed to get a top consultant in London and we have learned to trust him.
“He has put all our worries at ease and it will be a lot more controlled this time. Rachel will go up to London a few days before so we feel relaxed.
“The consultant has been unbelievable throughout the process and we’re thankful to him.
“But, of course, there comes the worry and anxiety. My most important job is to make sure Rachel is stress-free so I’ve tried to be reassuring for her.”
Should Rachel be early, Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe knows Arter will miss the game at the Vitality Stadium — as well as the Cherries’ four-day team bonding trip to Madrid later this week.
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Arter said: “I’d be shocked if it is the case that Rachel is early but the manager knows and he understands the situation.
“The most important thing is to be there for Rachel.
“I don’t want to miss that moment. In certain circumstances family life is No 1. It takes over anything else.
“Everyone at the club understands and the manager is a very family- orientated guy and caring man. Everyone has been very supportive.
“When a tragedy like that happens then football becomes No 2.
“The game on Monday is important but I’m sure everyone in the world will understand if I have to miss it. It’s a small sacrifice in the bigger picture.”
On the pitch, the current outlook is not a bright one, with Bournemouth yet to record a win in 2017.
Before the weekend they sat just six points above the relegation zone.
Arter admits: “We’re in a little bit of a hole. It’s not just the results. The performances haven’t been good either.
“We can always take a defeat but we’re not performing anywhere near our capabilities.
“Man City will be a difficult game but we need to put in a good performance first.
“For us, we would be naive and stupid not to look behind us. Our goal and aim is to stay in the league. A month ago I would have said we would be certain not to go down but now we are looking behind us.
“The sooner we put that right the better. Everyone needs to step back and analyse their own self because there is no point in pointing fingers. Everyone needs to improve.”
Howe’s side are capable on their own patch with wins over Merseyside pair Liverpool and Everton and draws against north London duo Arsenal and Tottenham this season.
Arter added: “That gives us confidence. We have a good home record and that gives us confidence.
“We make it difficult for everyone at home.
“We can play against big sides and cause them problems. We will make life as uncomfortable for them as possible.”
Yet Arter has the memory of the 4-0 hammering by City at the Etihad back in September firmly in his mind.
The 27-year-old said: “On that day they were the best side I’ve faced since we have been promoted — by a long way.
“I thought they would go on and win the league. It has been a massive surprise that they have not been as consistent.
“When they are playing well they are by far the strongest team in the league so we will have to be at our best.
“But we don’t treat players any differently whether it’s City or any other team. No player likes to be pressed or uncomfortable or put under pressure.”