Joe Gomez sends a heartfelt message after making his return in Liverpool's pre-season defeat against Hertha Berlin

  Liverpool faced Hertha Berlin in a pre-season friendly on Thursday and suffered a 4-3 defeat as Sadio Mane, Takumi Minamino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored for the Reds. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, who missed most of the 2020/2021 season due to a serious injury, made their returns as they played the last 20 minutes. Following the game, Gomez took to Instagram and posted a heartfelt message. He wrote: "It’s hard to put into words my gratitude at having been able to put on the red shirt again. It’s been a period that has severely tested me physically and emotionally. "One that I don’t feel I would of come through without the support of those around me. A special thanks to the phenomenal surgeon, physios and rehab specialists who’ve guided me through this - each one of them knows how grateful I am. "Big love to all the LFC family for your support and words of encouragement; that’s staff and fans. And most importantly to my wife and family, who are my reason to do it all. I’m thankful. Onwards and upwards 🔴"

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