“Fear took over” – Player had mental block at Liverpool last season, transfer was very much needed

Arthur Melo is currently enjoying life at Fiorentina after struggling at Liverpool last season.

The Merseyside club signed the midfielder in a loan deal from Juventus in 2022 and he ended up making only four appearances. He struggled with an injury and had to undergo surgery, which forced him to spend close to 150 days away from the pitch last season.

Corriere dello Sport have interviewed the 27-year-old’s physiotherapist, Adrian Martinez Castro, who spoke on several topics, including his disappointing spell at Liverpool.

He’s given an insight on how badly the injury impacted the Brazilian’s mentally when he was at Anfield.

“When he injured his quadriceps at Liverpool, fear took over, something unusual for him. That stop affected him because he feared, once he recovered, that he might hurt himself again. Water under the bridge, though. Now there is only Fiorentina,” he said.

Last summer, the Turin club allowed the former Barcelona man to join Fiorentina on another loan deal. After a poor spell at Liverpool, this move was much needed and it has paid off well for him so far. He’s been a regular under Vincenzo Italiano’s orders.

Operating mainly as a defensive midfielder, he’s even managed two assists from 25 matches this season. Even though Arthur is impressing this season, Adrian Martinez Castro insists he has yet to regain his best version.