‘It’s pretty clear’ – Liverpool star Harvey Elliott clarifies reason for celebration amid transfer speculation
Yesterday at 06:39 PM
Harvey Elliott set social media abuzz with his celebration against Lille and now we know why.
The 21-year-old scored the winner for Liverpool as they overcame Lille 2-1 to all-but secure top spot and guarantee a place in the Champions League last-16.
Elliott’s goal came in the 67th minute when he unleashed a shot from outside the box that took a deflection off of Ngal’ayel Mukau’s foot and flew into the net.
However, the 21-year-old generated more headlines for what he did following his goal.
As he wheeled away to celebrate, Elliott made a talking gesture with his hand before he made a cutting movement across his throat.
Some suspected it was transfer-related given Elliott had been linked with a move away from Anfield in recent weeks.
A switch to Brighton and Borussia Dortmund had been mooted in various reports.
However, Elliott confirmed he has no desire to leave Liverpool any time soon and revealed his celebration was intended to demonstrate that.
When asked by Amazon Prime presenter Gabby Logan what his celebration meant, Elliott responded: “I think it’s pretty clear, to be honest.
“I’m not leaving. I said it in an interview the other day, this is my team. This is my club.
“I’m a massive fan and we’re in a great position so far this season.”
Logan suggested Elliott’s gesture was as if to say ‘shut up’, to which he agreed.
Elliott added he ‘didn’t really see’ much of the speculation surrounding his future and had only learned of it through his friends.
“It’s (speculation) always going to happen in January and especially after being out for a long time and not really playing as much as I’d want to,” Elliott said.
“But, you know, that’s football.”
Elliott’s strike, albeit deflected, against Lille was just his second goal in 12 appearances for Liverpool this term.
The 21-year-old has had a disrupted campaign having sustained a broken foot in September.
As a result of the injury, he has missed 14 games for the Reds.
But when he has been available, Elliott has started just twice.
Those came in a third round FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley and a Carabao Cup quarter-final match against Southampton, in which he scored.
Despite the fierce competition for places in Liverpool’s starting line-up, Elliott confirmed he’d spoken with Reds boss Arne Slot regarding his lack of minutes.
However, he remains upbeat and knows he has to take his chance with both hands whenever an opening in Liverpool’s team emerges.
“We’ve had those conversations but it’s not just me,” Elliott told reporters after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford, where his second-half cameo played a key role in spurring the team on to victory.
“There are other lads in the team who maybe haven’t played as much as they want and are probably doing the same thing.
“I just have to keep working hard, keep trying to help the team out whenever I’m needed and just wait for my opportunity.
“I don’t expect to come in and play straight away. I want to help my team out as much as I can and the club and give everything I can.”
Liverpool need just a point in their final Champions League league phase match, where they face Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, on January 29 to confirm top spot of the standings.
Elliott will hope to continue his run of strong performances when Liverpool host Premier League strugglers Ipswich Town on Saturday.
