Harvey Elliott was keen to leave fans in no doubt regarding his intentions over his Liverpool future after scoring the decisive goal against Lille in the UEFA Champions League.
Elliott's deflected second-half strike gave Arne Slot's side a 2-1 win over their 10-man opponents, making it seven wins out of seven for the league phase leaders – and cementing their place in the Round of 16.
It was the fourth time in as many games that one of Slot's substitutes has come on to score. Such impacts from the bench are vital as Liverpool contest trophies on four fronts.
Elliott has been linked with a move away from Anfield after being restricted to cameos in the Premier League since recovering from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a foot injury.
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Brighton and Borussia Dortmund were presumed to be among his potential suitors but the 21-year-old sought to draw a line under that speculation as he celebrated his goal against Lille — first with a mocking "talking" hand gesture and then by making a throat-cutting gesture.
"I think it's pretty clear, to be honest. I'm not leaving," Elliott told Amazon Prime Video. "I said it in an interview the other day. This is my team, this is my club. I'm a massive fan and we're in a great position so far this season
"I didn't really see all the stuff. It's just a few things my friends have said to me, asking if I'm going here, here or here. It's always going to happen in January, especially after being out for a long time and not really playing as much as I want to. But that's football."
Elliott revealed he has had talks with Slot about his involvement at Liverpool, but conceded it would be foolish to make demands with the team riding high at the top of the Premier League.
"I've had conversations with the gaffer but, at the same time, I need to understand the situation. The team is flying. We're first in the Premier League, first in the Champions League
"For me to go in and say I need to be playing, I need to be starting, it's silly of myself really because you know what the answer is going to be.
"It's just about making sure I'm staying patient and when I'm getting opportunities, whether it's five minutes, 10 minutes or 45 minutes like today, just enjoy the moment. I just want to go out and enjoy my football and show the gaffer that if I am needed I'm ready."
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