When Ryan Gravenberch recalls his one and only encounter with Chelsea as a Liverpool player to date, he experiences conflicting feelings.After a thrilling and exciting victory, the Reds lifted the 2024 Carabao Cup at Wembley, making it a happy moment for the team as a whole.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
However, Gravenberch, although pleased with the result of the final, was on the field celebrating on crutches and had no idea of the difficulties that awaited him.
Indeed, the midfielder’s debut at Wembley was cut short after 28 minutes, being carried off on a stretcher with a serious ankle injury.
“I don’t think it’s a good word to use, but I was just disappointed that I couldn’t play for longer. It’s still in me,” he told Liverpoolfc.com, gesturing towards his heart. “I was expecting a lot and it was also my first time at Wembley “When I got the shot, I wanted to play longer. I said, “Record, record and maybe I can play longer.” But they said no.”
Gravenberch had a lonely moment in the dressing room as the first half wore on, joined only by two members of the medical staff assessing the problem. Devastated, his mind in turmoil, he abandoned his emotions throughout the day to limp to the bank and support his companions from there. The 21-year-old remembers: “I didn’t really hear what was happening outside. When I came out it was really crazy with the fans and everything.” When I watched the game from the match, I had a real crazy. good game I feel like we have to win this game – and we did.”
Virgil van Dick’s header late in extra-time gave Gravenberch a remarkable win, giving his side their first winner’s medal as Red Devils. The injury certainly didn’t stop him from enjoying the moment. “I was happy and full of adrenaline when we received the trophy,” he said. It turned out that he would return to the field a little more than a month later, thanks to the expertise of the medical department and his mental strength. The number 38 continued: “It’s really important because when you’re injured you just want to come back as soon as possible and be there for the team.” “For me it was like every day, day after day, working on myself and working on that ankle to get in shape again.”
With Gravenberch in fine form for Arne Slot’s side this season, his story can serve as an example of the rewards of patience and perseverance for youngsters. Liverpool will wear special edition shirts with the ‘Future makers by Standard Chartered’ logo for Sunday’s Premier League match against Chelsea at Anfield. These jerseys will be auctioned off for fans to purchase at CharityStars.com/SCFM, with all proceeds going to the Future makers initiative. Future makers is a Standard Chartered program that allows disadvantaged young people from around the world to help shape their future by teaching them skills that will increase their chances of finding a job or starting their own business. Gravenberch concludes by saying: “As a person, I always have a smile on my face. I always advise young people to play football have fun, dream and the rest will come. Just be yourself. Just do what you want do what you like.” CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
