Football
ESPN staff 9y

Joe Gomez: Liverpool best place for me to develop

Joe Gomez said he opted to join Liverpool because he believes he will get the chance to develop under Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool secured the signing of Gomez, 18, from Charlton earlier this month for a reported fee of £3.5 million.

The defender, who can operate at centre-back or full-back, was also linked with Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa but he said he had already decided that a move to Anfield was his best option.

"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."

Gomez made 21 appearances for Charlton in the Championship after making his debut in August last year and, while he recognises that it may be tough to adapt to life at his new club, he hopes to force his way into the first team.

"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."

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