I've finally been rewarded for ditching my childhood Man United dream but it was worth it

Angel Gomes has opened up about the challenges he's faced since parting ways with Manchester United, but feels that his recent England call-up 'makes it all worth it'. The 24-year-old midfielder, who now plays for Lille, was named in the Three Lions squad by Lee Carsley earlier this week, alongside fellow newcomers Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Tino Livramento.

Back in May 2017, Gomes etched his name into the United record books as the youngest player since Duncan Edwards in 1953 and the first individual born in the 2000s to appear in the Premier League. However, he left Old Trafford in July 2020 to further his career.

After a loan spell at Boavista in Portugal, Gomes took his talents to the French top flight. During a press conference on Wednesday, following his callup to the England squad, Gomes said: "When I left (Manchester United) it was more the idea to better myself as a player and person, being (on) the journey I went through I knew eventually I'd be able to create a pathway to be in this position I'm in now.

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"It was difficult leaving the club I was in since six and heading into the unknown really for me personally. From then it's been an uphill trajectory, but also with a lot of difficulties and difficult moments going through it, but being in this position now makes it all worth it."

Gomes, who's previously captained the England Under-17s – a side that once featured the likes of Phil Foden and Marc Guehi – has finally received his first senior call-up, albeit later than many anticipated. Eager to link up with his former teammates he said: