For a while, Angel Gomes was seen as one of the big talents of the future at Manchester United, but the lack of game time he was granted by managers led to him looking for a new club.
He eventually found it in Lille, who have been more than happy to play him, and he has repaid that with some good performances, only getting better by the season.
The player had a chat with 90Football in France, relayed by Le Petit Lillois, where he discussed, among other things, his exit from Manchester United.
Now 23 years of age, the midfielder has been with the Ligue 1 side since 2020, although he did spend his first season there on loan at Boavista.
He has since become an important player at Lille, scoring two goals and assisting five others in 30 appearances this season under Paulo Fonseca, which is what he initially wanted from his time at Manchester United; a club he had been with since 2006.
However, he needed to leave, which he explains was one of the toughest decisions to date in his young career.
He said: “On the last day, it was difficult to have to say goodbye to everyone, finish training and be surrounded by your teammates who you’ve played with since you were little. Having to leave… It was a difficult moment leaving Carrington knowing that I would never go back.
“It was the only home I’d ever known. Coming back home wasn’t pleasant and neither was getting all my stuff back.”
As to why he chose Lille: “I was looking for more playing time, more consistency and a plan for my future. I came to LOSC, who offered me a good structure and a good project. I have no regrets in life. I decided to take a step into the unknown, but I’m happy with the decision I made.”
