NATHAN ASPINALL has cheekily hinted at a nationality change – after getting “unbelievable” support at the European Darts Trophy final.
The Asp, 33, beat Ryan Joyce 8-4 to win his maiden European Tour title on Sunday.
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Aspinall averaged 98 and crashed in five 180s as he beat Joyce in front of a partisan crowd in Germany.
The Stockport thrower had demolished World No1 Luke Humphries on his way to the final.
And he was given raucous support from the floor at a packed-out Lokhalle, bagging £30,000 in the process.
Following his win, a delighted Aspinall joked to the adoring crowd: “Should I turn German?
“[I could] play with [Martin] Schindler at the World Cup?”
Aspinall raced into a 4-1 lead over Joyce and didn’t let the Geordie back into the contest.
The 33-year-old continued: “It felt like it was written in the stars.
“Ryan is a great guy and a top player, and it was great to share the stage with him in the final.
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“This is what I needed. This will help me believe in myself, and it shows I’m still good enough to compete against the top boys.
“Because of the situation I’ve been in over the last few years with the injuries and the dartitis, this is probably my proudest moment.
“The crowd were unbelievable. The support I got was amazing. This honestly means so much to me.”
Aspinall will return on Thursday in Newcastle for the Darts Premier League.
The Asp looks to have hit form at just the right time – with Joyce admitting he was “outclassed” in the final.
Premier League Darts 2025: Dates and venues
Night 1 – Belfast: Humphries beat Dobey 6-1
Night 2 – Glasgow: Littler beat Humphries 6-5
Night 3 – Dublin: Price beat Aspinall 6-3
Night 4 – Exeter: Humphries beat Littler 6-4
Night 5 – Brighton: Littler beat Aspinall 6-3
Night 6 – Nottingham: Price beat Littler 6-3
Night 7 – Cardiff: Littler beat Van Gerwen 6-4
Night 8 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle – Thursday March 27
Night 9 – Uber Arena, Berlin – Thursday April 3
Night 10 – AO Arena, Manchester – Thursday April 10
Night 11 – Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – Thursday April 17
Night 12 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool – Thursday April 24
Night 13 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham, Thursday May 1
Night 14 – First Direct Arena, Leeds – Thursday May 8
Night 15 – P&J Live, Aberdeen – Thursday May 15
Night 16 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield – Thursday May 22
Play-Offs – The O2, London – Thursday May 29
Joyce said: “I’m over the moon to get to my first European Tour final.
“I have really enjoyed this weekend, and hopefully this is just the start for me and I can make many more finals.
“I was just outclassed in the final, so fair play to Nathan.
“He’s a terrific player and he completely outscored me tonight.”