In our most recent installment of ‘A Day With…’ video series, Cody Gakpo, a native of Mersyside, delves into his upbringing, football idols, and family history.

We recently accompanied Liverpool’s forward for a day to gain insights into his adjustment to life at the club following his signing in January. Gakpo guides host Rubi Deschamps through his daily routines on the way to training, offering a front-row seat to his interactions with teammates at the AXA Training Centre, where we discover the nickname one of them has given him.

The Dutchman then embarks on a journey to the Baltic Triangle, where he expresses his gratitude to the city’s Reds fans and shares his hope for further trophy success in his adopted home.

“You can always hear them and feel the support they give, whether you’re playing at home or away, and it’s always positive,” the No. 18 remarks about the fans. Because you care about them so much, you’re willing to take things to the next level and fight for them as well. It’s a collective effort.

He continues, saying, “Yeah, I was on vacation and everything back home in the Netherlands, and at one point, I started missing being here because I really like it here.”

“I’ve never won a prize while playing for Liverpool, but I assume it’s a little different than winning a prize with any other team.”

Gakpo describes his early interest in football and the impact his father had on him as he began his journey to a professional career in Eindhoven.

“Obviously, where I’m from, we all support PSV, so then in the team, we had Afellay, who played for PSV and played for Barcelona after, so everybody in the city wanted to be him,” he adds.

Then there were superstars like Messi, Ronaldo, and the rest. They were all motivations for me.

My father provided me with a lot of training when I first started playing football. He used to constantly show me old videos of Maradona and Pelé playing together since they were his heroes growing up. That’s how I first met them, and I agree that they’re all quite talented.