Liverpool FC new signing Joe Gomez has revealed that he chose the Merseysiders over other clubs, reported to be Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund, due to manager Brendan Rodgers.
Liverpool FC beat off competition for Manchester City, Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund to secure the highly rated youngster from Charlton for 3.5 million pound as per reports in Liverpool Echo.
The England U19 defender, who can play as both a right back or centre back, had been interesting a number of Premier League clubs, with Arsenal FC and Manchester City both linked alongside Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
Joe Gomez has now revealed he opted to join Liverpool because he believes he will get the chance to develop under Brendan Rodgers.
“I met him [Rodgers] and that was a defining factor,” he told Liverpool’s official website. “He was positive and has already shown he will give young players an opportunity.”
“I thought carefully where would be the best place and give me the best chance to play — it was Liverpool.”
“I can understand Charlton fans wanting me to stay another year, that it would be best for me to develop, but I’m ambitious and want to keep learning. Going to Liverpool was hard to turn down.”
“I had my mind set on Liverpool and tried not to let the talk of other clubs distract me. I didn’t really focus too much on anything else. My family came up with me because they all had a part to play. They supported me. I wanted them to be there because they have helped me a lot.”
Joe Gomez was a part of England side which won the European U17 Championships last summer, and was named in the team of the tournament in the process.
His performances iearned him comparisons with former England star Rio Ferdinand, whom Gomez idolizes: a I always looked up to Ferdinand when I was younger because he was an English centre-back at the top level a plus he was a ball-playing one too,a Gomez said back in December.
Gomez has progressed quickly at Charlton, playing for the U18 side at the age of 14, and was given his senior debut by former boss Bob Peeters in a Capital One Cup tie against Colchester United last August.
He made 21 appearances for Charlton in the Championship after his debut, and, while he recognizes that it may be tough to adapt to life at his new club, he hopes to force his way into the first team.
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“I understand it is a massive club and a step up from where I’ve been playing,” Gomez said. “There are a lot more challenges but I’m going in with the aim to challenge for a place, regardless of age.
“I want to prove myself, take this opportunity with both hands and try to play. There is going to be a bigger spotlight but I’ve got to thrive under that and use it in a positive way.”
