Joe Gomez has revealed a choice he made before joining Liverpool that might have changed the course of his career.
When former captain Jordan Henderson left the team this summer to join Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, the defender became the team’s longest-serving current player.
Gomez cost £3.5 million when he transferred from Charlton to Anfield in the summer of 2015, and he has since made 182 appearances for the Reds.
Eight years ago, the center-back was linked to clubs other than Liverpool; Gomez revealed that before leaving The Valley, a move to Germany presented an alternate choice.
Gomez admitted to visiting RB Leipzig in January on a podcast called On the Judy.
“They were still in the Bundesliga 2, and I had barely played half a season. They are a fantastic club, but I wasn’t prepared when they joined.
“My dad and my missus weren’t feeling it, and I went with my mother. I was aware that I wasn’t prepared, yet the chance arose.
“If you play in Germany [now], chances are you’re returning. For me, there weren’t many instances like it at the time. I might think, “Wow, this is the way,” today.
Throughout his tenure on Merseyside, the 26-year-old has encountered a number of unfortunate long-term physical issues.
Along with Virgil Van Dijk, he played a crucial role in the 2019–20 team that won the title, appearing 28 times in the Premier League and another 15 times in other games during that campaign.
Since then, Gomez has battled a variety of fitness difficulties while attempting to secure a regular berth in the back four.
He acknowledges that his injuries have given him a “different outlook” on football, but he maintains that he is more motivated than ever to help the team.
I want to have a good season, be consistent and durable, and most of all, I want to enjoy playing football, he concluded.
“I clearly view things differently now that I’ve been hurt. However, I only want to be the best version of myself and then see where it leads. Because opportunity can present itself at any time, it’s important to manage the things you can control.
“Wherever that leads me is what it is, as long as I can look back and say that I did everything I could to be the best version of myself. I’m appreciative to be at the club.
