Sky Sports News' Gail Davies travels to Eindhoven to meet Liverpool's Cody Gakpo to discuss Arne Sloth, Premier League triumph, Champions League ambitions and the dream of winning the World Cup with the Netherlands. This interview was recorded before the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
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It was here, among the rows of houses on the outskirts of Eindhoven, that Kody Gakpo decided to begin his story.
The Cruyff Courts, as they are now known, certainly look a little different to the ones he spent hours playing on; the concrete surfaces have disappeared, but the soul and atmosphere of the place remains, evoking some of the happiest moments of Gakpo's childhood.
Returning as a Premier League champion to the club where he spent much of his childhood fills him with immense pride.
“You know, when you're young you just do what you like, and I really enjoyed playing football, so I spent a lot of time on it,” he says.
“If you told me I would become a Premier League champion, I wouldn't believe it.
“Being here now really brings back all the memories you've been through, those moments. We've achieved something quite unique this year.”
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Within minutes the word had spread and a small crowd began to gather, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the Liverpool star.
Gakpo, born in a house just a short walk from these cages, represents the dreams and ambitions of many people who patiently wait to take a photo and talk with him at the end.
It was created here in Eindhoven and has become one of the best in the place known as the “City of Innovation”. Gakpo is just getting started.
I ask where he keeps his winner's medal. “It's in England now, but when my dad comes back from Africa, I think I'll have to give it to him. I can't keep it. So I'll have to win it again so that maybe I can keep it.”
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Cody Gakpo paid tribute to his friend and teammate Diogo Jota Gakpo: “We will try to make Jota live forever.”
“It's always hard to talk about it, but today [against Athletic Club] the fans showed again how much we all loved him and what an important place he holds in everyone's heart.”
“It’s still hard on each of us and we’ll try to do everything we can for his legacy and his family, to be supportive whenever we can.
The club, the fans and the entire football world have paid him a huge tribute and we, as a team and as a club, will try to make sure that he lives on forever.”
His father, Johnny, is part of what holds this story together.
Sourse: skysports.com
