‘I’M DESPERATE TO PLAY’ FORMER ROYALS CAPTAIN SEEKS NEW CLUB

FORMER READING FC captain Liam Moore opened up on his injury problems in the past couple of seasons and revealed his future plans in the game.

Moore made 234 appearances across all competitions for Reading before he departed the club in the summer at the expiration of his contract.

His final years at the club were marred with both controversy and injury as he was stripped of the club captaincy by club owner Dai Yongge after he allegedly requested to leave the club.

Moore then faced numerous injury problems as he played just three times last season.

Talking to the Ballers Mindset Podcast, Moore shared about his time with Reading and his hopes to continue playing professional football.

“I’m fit, which is the main thing. I’m in a good place, training hard, working hard and ready to go,” said Moore, who is currently a free agent.

“It’s my first time being out of contract. A couple of teams, decent teams, have asked if I’m fit and how things are going.

“Saudi’s too good to turn down for 99% of people. If it was personal preference I would play abroad but it would be a select couple of counties. I’ve got a young family.

“I’m quite open minded, I’ve been out for a long time and I’ve got the buzz of the game to get back playing.

“I’ve missed a lot of football so that will be a red mark against my name.

“I would have been prepared at the start of the season to go into any good level club and prove

I’m fit.

“It’s a young man’s game. Everyone wants a 20-year-old that has resale value.

“I had an offer from a League

One team three or four weeks ago. I’m prepared to drop down, I’m ready to play.

“I wanted to play, I’m desperate to play but you’ve got to respect yourself and value yourself.”

Moore opened up on the injury problems that he has faced over the past couple of seasons and admitted that he contemplated retiring from professional football.

He continued: “I had the question, do I continue or not.

“It started with a bad knee injury and then comes another injury and another injury.

“In 2020/21 I had foot pain and was injecting before the game and at half-time for seven games.

“I didn’t scan it and when I did I had a broken foot. That was the kind of stuff I was always looking to do, just play and play and play.

“I used to pride myself on ‘you have to carry me off the pitch’. It’s an old school mentality but you have to be very aware and look after yourself.

■ To watch the full interview, visit www.youtube.com and search for BallersMindsetPodcast