Once the game had restarted at 0-0, a total of 34 added minutes were signalled for the first half. Lille took the lead before the break, as captain Bafode Diakite scored and celebrated with a shirt of Gomes'.
The game away to Reims marked the beginning of Gomes' fourth Ligue 1 campaign with Lille, having joined them in 2020 following his release from Old Trafford. The 23-year-old was considered one of the brightest talents this century by United academy staff but he was unable to become a regular at senior level. Gomes spent his first season with Lille on loan at Portuguese side Boavista.
He won the under-21 European Championship with England last summer, starring under manager Lee Carsley. Gomes was also captain of the England U17 team that won the 2017 World Cup. Speaking to French newspaper L'Equipe in November 2023, Gomes opened up on his 'difficult decision' to leave United and his desire to return one day.
"It was a very difficult decision. In my heart, I wanted to leave, in my head, I was thinking of staying. But I had to follow my heart. I felt that I needed to take another step in my career," he explained.
"I felt that had I stayed, there wouldn't be a lot of opportunities for me. Luis Campos [former Lille sporting director] and Lille spoke their project and I believed in it even more, that's what convinced me to move - the faith Lille had in me.
Sky has slashed the price of its bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes
With included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.
