InterviewHarvey Elliott reveals emotional reaction when making Anfield return
Harvey Elliott revealed his return to the pitch on Sunday against Cardiff City brought a tear to his eye.
The 18-year-old completed his near-five-month journey to recovery when he appeared as a second-half substitute in the Reds' Emirates FA Cup victory at Anfield.
And Elliott announced he was truly back by opening his account for the club with a brilliant strike to net the hosts' third goal in the 3-1 win, which secured a spot in the fifth round.
After the occasion, the No.67 spoke to Liverpoolfc.com about his emotions and hopes for the rest of the season now fully fit – read on for the interview...
Harvey, five months of hard work for you and what a return that was. You couldn't have dreamed of a better comeback...
It's a dream come true. To come back from a horrible injury like that in quick time and to come here and score in front of the fans, I'm just buzzing. It hasn't really sunk in yet but I'm sure it will later.
How did it feel when it hit the back of the net?
It all happened so quick, to be honest. I didn't really think about it. I swivelled, had a shot and it went in and I was off celebrating. It all happened so quick but I saw a little replay of the goal and I'm proud of it.
You must have thought so many times over the past five months about stepping out onto the pitch again. How did it finally feel?
It's hard to describe, to be honest. Obviously the injury came and I knew it would be a lengthy time out. To be out here and play at Anfield, my boyhood club, it's a dream come true, to be honest. To come out and, most importantly, get the win and to play with the players again and to put the shirt on and just go through everything that I've missed in these past five months... Stepping out onto the pitch, when I ran out, came on as a sub, it did bring a little tear to my eye. It was a moment I'll remember and a moment that I can learn from in the future and look back on it and think, 'If I can go through it at such a young age, I can go through anything.' I'm just happy to be back now, the injury is in the past and [I'm] moving on to the next game.
There must have been so many times when you were watching the lads at home on the TV and wishing you could be with them. How supportive have they been to you?
The boys, they're like a family. Ever since I did it, they're always there for me, sending me messages every five or 10 minutes, each and every one of them, just to see how I was. Whenever I'd see someone in the building, they'd always stop me and ask me if there's anything I wanted to speak about. I'm just truly blessed to have such a wonderful team around me and teammates, as well as the best facilities and the best people around me in terms of physios and stuff.
I mentioned it before, but big shoutout to Joe Lewis, who took me under his wing and obviously got me back to where I am today. They all played a part somewhere down the line, so I'm just thankful for each and every one of them. Obviously my family and friends as well for looking after me and making sure I was all OK. The injury is in the past now, I'm just looking to keep moving forward, keep playing games, keep putting the badge on and giving my best shot. And most importantly, keep playing for the fans.
Highlights: Liverpool 3-1 Cardiff City
You were introduced alongside Luis Diaz, who got an assist on his debut. That's quite a good way to start...
You saw it against us, you could see that he's got exceptional talent. He's a top guy as well. We're all around him, supporting him and we're all there if he needs it. I'm sure he'll show what he's about. He showed glimpses today. To come on next to him, it's a proud moment for myself as well because, in my opinion, he's a world-class player and he's only going to get better here playing for Liverpool, playing in front of these fans. I'm sure he'll go on and show the world what he's capable of doing.
Just what are your personal targets now? It couldn’t have gone better for you on your return...
Today's been a good day. Obviously it's still going to take time to get back into the team. You can see, there's world-class players coming back, in terms of Thiago, there's players still out with Fabinho and today we saw the likes of Curt, Hendo, Naby as well. There's always competition throughout the team, so to get in it, it's not easy. That's my aim at the end of the day. I'm here to play for Liverpool and I'll do what it takes to play for Liverpool and play for the fans, represent the badge as well as I can and just be ready if I'm needed. My focus is there and my targets are there. It's just down to me to take them and make sure I get in the team.