Newly recruited England international Angel Gomes has revealed which player he idolised while coming through the ranks at Manchester United.
It came as quite a shock when the former United star was announced in Lee Carsley's first England squad last week, alongside the likes of Noni Madueke, Tino Livramento, and Morgan Gibbs-White.
It has since been revealed that Carsley will also be losing Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Ollie Watkins for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures due to injury.
Gomes was highly regarded during his time at United, but never quite managed to cement himself in the first team with only five Premier League appearances to his name.
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The now 24-year-old midfielder joined United back in 2006 and grew up surrounded by the great players of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, but there was one player that always stood out to him.
"Nani used to be my idol," Gomes said via the Daily Mail.
"I used to watch him and even practice his backflips on the trampoline.
"He used to invite me and my brother round to his house to play football in the back garden, and show me how to hit the ball against a wall with either foot over and over again until it became natural," he added.
Nani was a cult hero among most United fans during his time at the club between 2007-2015.
The winger's skillful flair and long-range shooting ability made him an instant fan favourite, particularly after the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in 2009.
Speaking following the squad announcement, Carsley revealed what Gomes can bring to the England setup.
"Angel is very technical, he controls the game with his skill and his technique. He is very determined, has a great attitude, and loves football," Carsley said.
"I think he is a player people will be excited to see."
Topics: Angel Gomes, Manchester United, Nani, Premier League, England, Football
Tom Jenkins