Harvey Elliott has opened up on his family's role in his recovery from a serious injury and their pride in watching him make Liverpool Champions League history.
The 18-year-old suffered a fracture-dislocation of his ankle against Leeds United back in September following a tackle by Pascal Struijk.
Elliott had begun to break into Jurgen Klopp’s side at the time of his injury, with the match at Elland Road being his third consecutive Premier League start.
There were fears at the time that the teenager's season could be over, but the Fulham Academy graduate returned to action at the start of last month.
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Elliott capped off his return to action by scoring his first goal for Liverpool in their 3-1 Emirates FA Cup win over Cardiff City at Anfield.
He was then a shock inclusion in the Liverpool side that beat Inter Milan 2-0 at the San Siro in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.
The England youth international was given the nod in midfield alongside Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho before being replaced by Naby Keita just before the hour mark.
Elliott’s appearance in Milan meant he became the youngest Liverpool player to start for the club in the Champions League, taking the mantle from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
And when reflecting on the 'crazy experience', Elliott has explained how the support of his family played a massive role in his comeback.
“As a team - me, family and Liverpool - we set targets, two-week targets, and we kept hitting them and before I knew it I was back on the pitch running,” he told BBC Sport.
“Then two weeks after that it was little ball work, then two weeks after it just kept increasing and increasing.
“Yeah, it was tough but it was a learning curve as well. Something that you will always have in life and something that you will need is your family so keep them close and make sure you look after them.
“When you need to be looked after they will obviously do the same so they are very close to my heart and my family.”
Before Elliott continued: “My dad and brother flew to the San Siro. It is just these moments that you want to achieve and dream of as a kid to put a smile on their face.
“Yeah, it’s a crazy experience. To play at San Siro is one thing and to start the Champions League game and to play and obviously the boys to get the win it topped it off really. It’s a moment me and my family will remember.”
