Liverpool Center-Back Ignored Real Madrid Interest Due To Van Dijk; Here's Why

Liverpool FC center-back Joe Gomez has revealed why he did not leave the club this summer. It involves a "context" involving Reds teammate Virgil van Dijk.

At the beginning of the 2022 summer window, Gomez was heavily linked with a move away from the Anfield side, with a number of clubs interested in securing the English defender, including Aston Villa, the club that is managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

Apart from the Villa Park side, Newcastle United and Real Madrid were also reportedly interested in Gomez at one point.

Both Van Dijk and Gomez missed the majority of the 2020-21 season due to injuries. While the Dutch center-back made it straight back into the Reds team, it was not the same case for Gomez.

Gomez was Liverpool's fourth-choice center-back last season as Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate competed to be Van Dijk's partner. Toward the end of the last campaign, Gomez was pushed to the role of right-back, as a cover to Trent-Alexander Arnold.

However, with Van Dijk turning 31 earlier this month and Matip not far behind, the 25-year-old Gomez now aims to retain his position in Jurgen Klopp's starting XI.

"I can understand why people would have thought I'd be considering moving on, for sure, 100 percent. It's apparent from my age now and based on my opportunities in the past, that there was definitely still a decision for me to make. Any interest is flattering, but I don't really see it like as that much of a distraction because until I make my decision," Gomez said in an interview, Anfield Watch reported.

Speaking of Van Dijk and Matip, Gomez added that both defenders are very experienced, still at the top of their games and have prime years ahead of them.

"It helps give context, I suppose. Virgil had gone 26 when he arrived, so me looking at what he achieved from that age on, knowing I still have the opportunity to try and have that time ahead of me, is obviously something to chase and aspire towards. What Virg has done is going to make him a legend at the club in world football. That's the target. To aim high helps you achieve as much as you can. Ibou being even younger than me, it's obvious we have time ahead of us," Gomez explained.

Gomez signed a long-term contract with Liverpool earlier this year. The talented defender is now tied with the Merseyside club until 2027.

He has played a part in all the trophies that Liverpool won under Klopp's charge, including the Premier League and the Champions League.