Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo receives a hero’s welcome in return to PSV to say goodbye
Dutch footballer Cody Gakpo, who left his boyhood club PSV Eindhoven to join Liverpool in January in a deal worth £45 million, received a heartwarming welcome on his return to PSV.
Gakpo, who had been with the club since 2007, came through the ranks as a talented youngster, making his first-team debut in 2018 and captaining the side. The 23-year-old forward made 159 appearances for PSV, scoring 55 goals.
Gakpo Bids Farewell to PSV in grand gesture
On Thursday night, Gakpo made an emotional return to his former club, PSV Eindhoven, to say goodbye to the fans after his move to Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp granted him permission to fly out to see PSV take on Sevilla, where he received a farewell present from the crowd.
Fans at Philips Stadion welcomed him with a spine-tingling chant of ‘Cody Gakpo – Eindhovenaar!’ as Gakpo responded by clapping and making a heart gesture towards the crowd. The fans also unveiled a stunning tifo that had Gakpo celebrating with the word ‘Eindhovenaar’ on it.
However, Gakpo’s visit did not come with a win as PSV were knocked out of the Europa League by Spanish La Liga side Sevilla, despite a 2-0 victory on the night, with goals from Luuk De Jong and Fabio Silva. Sevilla advanced to the next round after winning the first leg 3-0 in Spain.
Former manager’s praise
Gakpo played for Liverpool on Tuesday night when they were thrashed 5-2 by Real Madrid in the Champions League. Nevertheless, the Dutchman’s former manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, praised his performance against the reigning European champions.
Van Nistelrooy said, “I thought Cody [Gakpo] was strong. Just like all of Liverpool in the first 20 minutes. They were blowing away Real Madrid, and Cody was strong.”
The fans’ tribute to Gakpo was perfect, as he was allowed onto the pitch to enjoy a farewell from the fans, who in turn serenaded him with chants and applause, as well as a giant flag of the 23-year-old.
Gakpo had developed through their youth system from 2007 and managed 55 goals in 159 games before departing for Liverpool in the January window for a fee of around £35m.
Adapting quickly to the top level
Van Nistelrooy also praised Gakpo’s adaptability, saying, “He had some great ball-saving moments, playing the ball to the side and moving well.
“Cody also had some switching moments after ball loss, winning the ball back and looked very sharp. But that was also the case against Newcastle United and in the derby against Everton. You see he adapts quickly to that level.”
Cody Gakpo’s emotional return to PSV Eindhoven was a perfect tribute to the Dutchman’s contribution to the club. The fans welcomed him with open arms and gave him a heartwarming farewell, showing how much he meant to them.
