Jurgen Klopp Reveals Why Liverpool Mainstay Sign New Surprising Contract Despite Significant Summer Interest
Joe Gomez has explained why he chose to stay and sign a new contract with Liverpool despite solid interest.
With Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Real Madrid all interested, Gomez turned down a better chance of regular playing time to fight for his place at Anfield.
This past season, the 25-year-old started just 11 games after establishing himself as a regular alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defense before suffering a long-term injury in November 2020.
Forgotten stars who appeared out of nowhere following January rumors
It was thought that Gomez would be tempted to leave Merseyside to improve his chances of playing, but he has explained that the “challenge” of competing with Van Dijk, Joel Matip, and Ibrahima Konate in the pecking order was too appealing and could earn him the attention of Jurgen Klopp.
“I completely understand why people thought I’d be thinking about moving on,” Gomez told the Liverpool Echo.
“It’s clear from my age now and based on my previous opportunities that there was still a decision for me to make.”
“I suppose you could look at it as a fork in the road. But after speaking with the club, I realized it was a critical decision for me to make. Fundamentally, the opportunity that I have here, as well as the platform and opportunity to be a part of this club, is one that I cannot pass up.
Essentially, it was my acceptance that I needed to take on the challenge.” Any interest is flattering, but I don’t see it as a distraction because, until I decide, the external noise is just that – external. “My signing is me understanding the challenge and wanting to rise to it once I got my head around what I wanted to do.”
Gomez also praised the quality of Liverpool’s center-halves.
“It pushes us in the best way,” he says. “In general, we’re good friends, and it gives us a platform to want the team to succeed.” But because it’s a friendly environment, we can work hard without feeling threatened. ” I believe this is the best group of center-backs in the league.
We probably have the best in Virg, and Joel and Ibou were incredible last season. We can compete with any other team of center-backs in the world.”
By: MENSAH BENJAMIN
