Liverpool new-boy Cody Gakpo has opened up on his failed Manchester United transfer prior to him agreeing on a switch to Anfield.
United boss Erik ten Hag immediately reignited his interest in the 23-year-old after the World Cup having failed to get a deal over the line in the summer. But with the Old Trafford club struggling to raise the cash, Liverpool came in with a shock bid.
Leeds United were also interested last year and had a private jet waiting to whisk him to Yorkshire. Gakpo recalled: “It was difficult this summer. It was a very intense period.
“I tried to find my peace, but it was difficult. I thought I was going to Manchester United, but in the end it didn't work out.
“Leeds United came in. They are a good club, but I asked myself if I should really go there and when you have a lot of doubts, it is not good.”
Gakpo was delighted to enhance his reputation at the World Cup, scoring goals with both feet and his head in the group stages before Holland finally fell to eventual champions Argentina on penalties at the end of a gripping quarter-final.
But while his closest pals were obsessed with superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Gakpo has recalled how he took his inspiration from Pele when he was a kid growing up in Holland.
The Brazilian legend, who passed away at the age of 82 during the week, captured Gakpo’s imagination after the Dutchman’s Togo-born father Johnny - who earned a living playing football in his homeland before moving to Eindhoven - urged him to watch internet clips of Pele in action to learn how the game should be played.
“I loved watching Pele as a kid,” recalled Gakpo, who will complete the formalities of his £40million move from PSV today (Sunday) after Liverpool hijacked Manchester United’s bid to take the forward to Old Trafford.
Will Gakpo be a success at Liverpool? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.
“My father always used to watch Pele on YouTube - and I watched along. It was wonderful to see him in action. What appealed to me were Pele’s individual actions, the energy he put into matches and certainly his dribbles.
“Pele always seemed to feel very free on the pitch. I liked that about him - and I try to add that quality to my style too.”
Gakpo is a laid-back character off the pitch - but has a mental strength that is reinforced by his profound religious beliefs. He describes the bible as “a love letter about how we should treat each other.”
He has even managed to convince Holland team-mate Denzil Dumfries about the benefits of having faith. And during the World Cup in Qatar he helped set-up a prayer group that was regularly attended by several members of Louis van Gaal’s squad.
Gakpo said: “We are all believing Christians. Before our matches we pray together. Memphis Depay takes the lead in that, but the match definitely plays a role in praying.
“But faith is about more than just soccer. We are grateful for everything we have. We are blessed. But we must also ask God for strength for what lies ahead.”
Jurgen Klopp believes Gakpo can give his team a New Year bounce that will bring a charge for the title and he will be registered in time to be available for the clash with Brentford on Monday night.
It is clear the Liverpool boss has bought a player who is only interested in improving himself. Gakpo added: “I think I can still make many steps, can do better, and can improve as a player.
“Even in Qatar, I became a better footballer in record time because I played with the best players in the Netherlands and came up against the greatest footballers from other countries.
“It was hard to define exactly how I was improving while I was out there. But once the World Cup was over, I had time to analyse things.
“I used to play on a more individual level and rely on my instincts. I would take lots of players on and try to do something special every time I got the ball.
“Now I realise I have to think more about the team. I have to choose the right moment to dribble and make actions. I have taken steps to recognise that.”
