The lifelong Blue is currently ranked No.21 in the world and begins his quest to win the coveted crown at London’s Alexandra Palace on Sunday night after reaching the last eight last year.
He is also hoping lightning doesn’t strike twice as he explains: “This time last year I had just lost the quarter-final and I was invited to the Emirates for an interview.
“City had just been beaten 2-1 and they thought it would be good because I was an Arsenal supporter! I politely told them I was a City fan and that they could keep their matchday programme.”
Norris was at his first Ally Pally tournament in 2015 so to reach the quarter-finals was quite an achievement.
The World Darts Championship has become cult viewing on Sky Sports, attracting large TV audiences during the festive period.
On Sunday evening, Norris will again attempt to progress to the latter stages when he takes on Greece’s John Michael who is ranked more than 100 places lower.
Norris took on Kelechi Iheanacho in a CityTV challenge earlier this year and he admits he is becoming a more familiar face to City fans, especially on match days at the Etihad.
He said: “Yeah the City fans seem to be recognising me more these days. I’m asked for a lot of selfies at home games which is really nice and something I enjoy so it’s nice.
“I’m only completing my second year on the professional circuit so it’s going well at the moment. Playing at Ally Pally is unbelievable – there’s maybe 5,000 fans and it’s just electric – a bit like the Etihad when we beat Barcelona.
“Last year some of my fans turned up with inflatable bananas which was great and obviously because of my City connections. I’ll be practicing at Ally Pally from 4pm onwards so I’ll miss the game against Arsenal, but I’ll catch it on Match of the Day tonight and hopefully watch us put a few goals past the Gunners.
“If I get through I’ll be playing the next round on 27 December and the final is on 2 January so football is on hold until after the championships.”
