Darwin Nunez's tears speak volumes after nightmare five months for Liverpool star
Darwin Nunez returned to the Liverpool starting line-up on Saturday for the first time in five months.
The Uruguayan has endured a nightmare few months, and had a torrid summer plagued with uncertainty over his future. There have been reports linking him with a move away from Anfield, and he started the season playing second-fiddle to Diogo Jota.
He celebrated his first start of the season in style, bagging his first goal of the campaign with a beautifully-taken left-footed effort from outside of the penalty area. The Anfield fan favorite was applauded by the adoring Kop, and his emotion was clear to see as he wiped away tears with his jersey, visibly overcome by the moment.
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There were, of course, some who questioned what about scoring the third goal in a routine win over Bournemouth at Anfield would bring Nunez to tears, but taking a step back, his emotion was entirely justified.
Nunez's last start for Liverpool had come towards the end of Jurgen Klopp's reign as head coach, with the 2-0 defeat all-but ending the Reds' title chances, and with that, any hopes of a farewell trophy for Klopp.
Nunez's performance that night was, he'll probably agree, wildly below his usual standards, and unfortunately there was a vocal minority on social media who let him know about it.
Nunez lost his place in the starting XI after that, and things didn't get much better for him at the end of the season either. At the Copa America, Nunez's Uruguay suffered defeat in the semi-finals to Colombia, and afterwards the Liverpool man was involved in an ugly spat on the touchline.
After the game, Nunez jumped into the stands and was filmed throwing punches at Colombia fans, who were believed to have gained access to the players' family section. Nunez was later seen with tears in his eyes as he comforted his young child. For his role in that incident, he was issued with a five-match international ban.
It's not been easy for Nunez, especially considering he was expected to be the focal point in Arne Slot's new-look Liverpool side. Saturday's goal could be the catalyst his season needs.