Harvey Elliott has spoken candidly about his decision to leave Liverpool, admitting that sometimes in football, you have to be “selfish” to take care of your career.
After six years at Anfield, the 22-year-old midfielder completed a season-long loan move to Aston Villa on Deadline Day, with the Premier League club set to make the deal permanent next summer for £35 million.
Seeking Regular Game Time
Elliott had been a regular fixture under Jurgen Klopp, but under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot, his minutes became increasingly limited.
That played a significant role in his decision to leave.
“The most important thing for me was to be playing first-team football,” Elliott said.
“I need to be in a team where I’m getting regular minutes. Whether that’s starting or coming off the bench, just knowing I’m going to play is the only way I can improve.”
Despite leaving, Elliott emphasized that his love for Liverpool remains unchanged.
“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.”
Choosing Aston Villa
Elliott attracted interest from several clubs in England and abroad, including RB Leipzig, West Ham, and his former youth club Fulham.
Ultimately, he was “blown away” by Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, who has revitalized Villa Park since arriving in 2022 and guided the club back into European competition.
“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,” Elliott said after making his debut in a goalless draw at Everton. “With this team, anything is possible.”
The Emery Factor
Elliott praised Emery’s influence on his decision, highlighting the manager’s energy, attention to detail, and personal commitment to his players.
“The first time I ever spoke to him, I was blown away by what he had to say about me,” Elliott said.
“He’s always looking out for you and making sure you’re okay.
Working under him is going to be the best thing for me, as long as he trusts me.”
A New Villa Line-Up
Elliott joined Villa alongside former Manchester United stars Jadon Sancho and Victor Lindelof.
While Lindelof made his debut in the draw against Everton, Sancho was on the bench.
Villa have struggled so far this season despite Emery’s previous three years of success, currently without a win or a goal in the Premier League.
Building Positivity
Emery remained optimistic after the draw, praising his squad’s performance and defensive discipline.
“It’s a good point and a lot of things were positive. We were defending and disciplined.
We have to improve offensively as we are not scoring goals,” he said. “With this point, I am happy because we are building the team and recovering our positivity.”
Looking Ahead
Villa will travel to Brentford for a League Cup fixture on Tuesday, where Elliott could get his full debut and continue his mission to secure regular first-team football while helping Aston Villa climb back into form.