‘Real wanted me – but as soon as I heard about Liverpool my mind was made up’

Harvey Elliott admitted it didn't take him long to decide against Real Madrid for Liverpool.

Before joining the Reds, Elliott was regarded as one of the most promising young talents in global football. Before his move to Merseyside, Elliott had made history as the youngest player to ever play in the Premier League when he was brought off the bench at Fulham in May 2019 at just 16 years and 30 days old.

Fast forward to today and Elliott could potentially take on the Spanish titans in the Champions League tonight (Wednesday) after being left on the bench for the 3-2 away win over Southampton. Elliot is recovering from a nasty foot injury that has seen him make just one Premier League appearance this season.

Liverpool welcome Carlo Ancelotti's squad to Anfield in what is a crucial match for both teams' ambitions to secure a top position in the new competition phase of the Champions League. Last year, Elliott reflected on his decision to choose Jürgen Klopp over Zinedine Zidane five years earlier.

During an interview with the We Are Liverpool podcast, Elliott discussed his decision. He said: “It was just a combination of things to be honest. I was about to go to Madrid and then I think Liverpool came in.

“As soon as I heard they had come in, that was it. My heart was set on it just because I was a Liverpool fan, all the family and it was my dad's dream to play for Liverpool himself but he didn't he doesn't.” quite successful.

“But my little brother is also a big supporter, probably one of the biggest I've ever seen in my life. He always comes to me with information I didn't even know and he doesn't even play for the team.

“I'd say, 'oh, where did you get that?' and he'd say, 'oh, I don't know, I heard it from so-and-so in the players' lounge or whatever.'

Elliott played 120 games for Liverpool, scoring ten goals and providing fourteen assists. His most successful season in the Reds jersey was last year, when he scored three times and set up a further six goals. Injuries have hampered his ability to make an impact under Slot this season.

Ahead of the victory over Southampton, Slot admitted that not being able to utilize the England U21 international was a significant setback. The Dutchman said: “We always want to have all our players available and it was a blow for him and for us that he was injured for so long because I think he has been out for three months now.

“Now we also have to give him time to return to his normal level. I was just talking about Ibou Konate, who maybe couldn't play football for two, three or four months because he didn't play anymore at the end of the season. and did not play in the European Championship; as a result, his first match against Man United in pre-season was not his best.

“That is something that is very normal for a footballer and we also have to take that into account with Harvey. Yes, he is training with us again, but that is different from immediately being at the top of your game again.” .

“So we have to give him time for this, but I am very happy that he is back, especially with the number of matches scheduled in the next two, three or four months.”