Former Manchester United player Angel Gomes has admitted that he could envision himself returning to the Old Trafford club in the future, having departed just over two years ago.
Gomes was handed his debut by Jose Mourinho, aged just 16 when he replaced Wayne Rooney in the final Premier League game of the 2016/17 season.
The young midfielder was tipped to enjoy a successful career at United but a lack of opportunities meant that he left upon the expiry of his contract in 2020, joining French club Lille.
After spending his first season at Lille out on loan, Gomes is back in Ligue 1 and has impressed so far this season. Speaking recently, he has opened up on his exit and plans for the future.
“It was a very difficult decision. In my heart, I wanted to leave, in my head I was thinking of staying. But I had to follow my heart,” Gomes told L’Equipe, via GFFN.
“I felt that I needed to take another step in my career. I felt that, had I stayed, there wouldn’t be a lot of opportunities for me. Luís Campos and Lille spoke about their project and I believed in it even more, that’s what convinced me to move – the faith Lille had in me.
“Do I imagine myself coming back one day? Obviously, it’s home. I would love to come back. But you never know in football. I just have to keep my feet on the ground, and keep playing, making the most of it. I can’t predict what will happen in the future.”
SN’s verdict…
Gomes impressed at all youth levels but for an attacking midfielder, it’s might difficult to break into the first team. It’s an area United had strengthened just months before his exit.
Bruno Fernandes joined the club the same year and the Portuguese star immediately became the first name on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s teamsheet.
It’s never nice to see an academy product leave but if he continues to impress, a return can’t be ruled out. Evidently, it’s something he has been thinking about.
