England’s new midfield hope Angel Gomes says his decision to leave Manchester United as a teenager has been vindicated by his call-up to Lee Carsley’s first squad.
The 24-year-old has earned his reputation in France with Lille and has been included in the England squad for the first time by interim coach Carsley for the forthcoming Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Having left United at the age of 19, Gomes recalled last night: ‘When I left it was for the idea to better myself as a player and person and I knew eventually I could create a pathway to be in this position.
‘But it was difficult, leaving the club I was at from six and heading into the unknown.
‘The hardest point was leaving England and going on loan to Portugal. There was a project in mind but I never knew how it was going to go, going to France afterwards, learning a new language, adapting to a new country, to the football.
England’s new midfield hope Angel Gomes says his decision to leave Manchester United as a teenager has been vindicated
The 24-year-old has been included in the England squad for the first time by interim coach Carsley
Gomes left boyhood club United at the age of 19 after making just 10 first-team appearances
‘It was a very difficult time for me but I knew in the long run if I stuck to it I would get to where I wanted to.
‘From then, it has been an upwards trajectory but with a lot of difficulties and difficult moments. Being in this position now makes it all worth it.’
Gomes is one of four new faces in Carsley’s squad and believes his forward-thinking football will be suited to the new attacking philosophy promised his former England under-21 coach.
‘I think I am someone that is brave,’ he said.
‘I like to take risks. I like to help the team in every phase of the pitch, to help the team play out or control the game or to get as high as possible.
‘It is something I am comfortable doing. That part of my game will be able to be shown now.’
New England manager Carsley opted to give Gomes a first senior England call-up
Gomes – whose godfather is the former United winger Nani – qualifies to play for Portugal through his father but that pathway has not been explored beyond brief conversations between his parents and the Portuguese FA.
There have also been sporadic attempts by English clubs to bring him back to the country of his birth.
‘I have had some but I believe that everything will happen naturally and at its own time,’ said Gomes.
‘I am really chilled so if something was to come up that would make sense then you never know in football.’