Former Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom has returned to professional football and signed for a new club, four years after he was the victim of an 'unprovoked attack' which saw him stabbed.
The right-back was one of Liverpool's brightest prospects during the early stages of his career and made 22 appearances for the club between 2013 and 2017.
After failing to break into Liverpool's first team Wisdom eventually made the permanent move away from Anfield joining Derby County in 2017, however, in 2020 Wisdom was attacked by four masked men carrying knives.
Speaking about his experience via the Derry Journal, Wisdom stated: "I was playing for Derby at the time. I got stabbed numerous amount of times. It was a bit overwhelming but I just took myself away from football.
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"I had finished at Derby at the end of that season, so I took myself away from football for a little while - probably about 16 months, something like that. I went away and got my mind and my body right and then just started training again. I took it from there really," he continued.
After making his full return to action in 2022 for Warrington Town, Wisdom has now finally made his long-awaited return to the professional game as he has signed with Irish side Derry City.
Following the confirmation of his return, Wisdom has opened up about his journey back to a professional contract.
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Wisdom told BBC Sport: "The will was always there, but it felt like it wasn't the way at times. Perseverance, mindset, keeping going. You've got to keep training. It's led me here. I'm quite proud of myself for getting back into full-time football. I can now say again I have a job.
"I always say why not? Any opportunity is a good opportunity, especially in football. I've had a while out of football because of things that happened off the pitch. I'm fit, raring to go, I've done a full pre-season and I'm grateful for the opportunity," he explained.
Tom Jenkins