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Harvey Elliott has admitted he needed to be “selfish” as the former Liverpool star opened up on his exit from Anfield.
The 22-year-old joined Aston Villa on an initial year-long loan on transfer deadline day earlier this month, although the move is expected to become permanent, with an obligation in place for a $47 million deal next summer.
Liverpool has inserted both a buy-back and sell-on clause in the deal, underlining the belief at Anfield that Elliott will go on to meet the potential many had expected of him, albeit with a lack of opportunities with the Reds over the past year.
Having become something of a regular towards the end of Jurgen Klopp’s time in charge of the club, Elliott found playing time much harder to come by during Arne Slot’s first season in charge, having made 28 appearances across all competitions, with only six of those coming from the start.
And with his opportunities limited at Anfield, Elliott felt he needed to move away in order to get the playing time he needs as he continues to develop.
“I think the most important thing for me when I was making the decision was to be playing first-team football,” Elliott said (via the Daily Mail).
“I need to be in a team where I’m getting regular minutes. Whether that’s starting or coming off the bench, just having that feeling of going into a matchday knowing you’re going to play, that’s the only way I can improve now.
“The love I have for Liverpool is still going to be there forever, that’s not going to change, I’m still going to be watching and looking out for them from afar. I’m wishing them all the very best. But sometimes in football you need to be selfish. I made the decision to leave because I wanted to do what’s best for me.”
Explaining why he decided to move to Villa, Elliott added: “To find the best club, there were a few difficult decisions I had to make.
“I’m over the moon. I’m so happy to be here and I really want to kick on, to get this club where they deserve. With this team, anything is possible.”
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Despite his lack of opportunities under Slot, the Liverpool boss was full of praise for Elliott when he spoke for the first time about his departure on Friday.
“It is in the interests of everyone. He didn’t get the playing time he deserved for the quality player he is. He conducted himself always so well,” Slot said.
“It wasn’t only that when he said this was his club that he wanted to say this to the fans, he acted inside with him not playing so much.
“He was always doing what was in the best interests of the club. He deserves a big compliment for that.”
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