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Lille star and former Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes has opened up on his Old Trafford exit and how it helped him get to where he currently is today.
Gomes recently received his first England call-up ahead of the national team’s Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
He was selected by Lee Carsley – after succeeding Gareth Southgate – who deemed it fit that a player of Gomes’ qualities and unique technical attributes should be part of the squad.
Gomes made his United debut seven years ago when he replaced Wayne Rooney during a win against Crystal Palace. At the time, Gomes made history as he became the youngest player ever to represent the Red Devils at 16 years and 263 days.
The 24-year-old eventually parted ways with his boyhood club in 2020 as he signed for Lille, before being sent out on loan to Portuguese outfit Boavista for the 2020/21 season.
Gomes has been a success in France, where he has cemented his status as one of Ligue 1’s best midfielders.
In France’s top-flight last term, no player registered more assists than Gomes’ eight. He ranked second and sixth in terms of big chances created and opposition half-passes completed respectively.
(Stats by Sky Sports)
Asked about what it was like to leave United, Gomes replied, “When I left it was more for the idea to better myself as player and obviously as a person.”
“I knew that eventually I would be able to create a pathway for myself to be in this position that I’m in now. It was difficult leaving the club that I was at from [six years old].”
“From then it has been an uphill trajectory but also with a lot of difficulties and difficult moments. But being in this position now makes it all worth it.”
It’s understood that Gomes was on an extended list of players Southgate considered to take to the Euros last summer but he narrowly missed out.
The Lille man said about this, “Yeah believe it or not I was pre-selected in the group of a lot of [England] players.”
“Whenever the squad was getting announced I would get the email. But obviously you get told whether you get a phone call or you’ll know whether you’re in the squad or not. I missed it a lot of the times but I knew if I kept going that sooner or later I would be able to create a pathway for myself.”
“I’m just thankful that I’m here now and I’m able to showcase myself.”
“I just didn’t quite make the group but it’s always fuel to keep going.”
England face the Republic of Ireland on Saturday before meeting Finland at Wembley on Tuesday.
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