Former Liverpool defender Wisdom 'grateful' for Derry chance

Andre Wisdom spent five years at Anfield

"I can now say again I have a job."

Having once called Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez team-mates, Derry City's newest signing Andre Wisdom has spoken of his pride at returning to full-time football four years after a serious assault.

The former Liverpool defender, who made 14 Premier League appearances for the Reds between 2012 and 2014, was attacked by four masked men who stabbed him and stole his designer watch in June 2020.

A player with Derby County at the time of the attack, he would leave Pride Park a year later and was most recently playing with Warrington Town in the National League North.

The former England Under-21 international is now back in the pro ranks having signed a deal at the Brandywell until the end of the season.

"The will was always there, but it felt like it wasn’t the way at times," said the 31-year-old of making a comeback after the stabbing.

"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."

Wisdom was unveiled by Derry City on Wednesday

Wisdom first found out about Derry's interest on Sunday, was unveiled at the Brandywell by Wednesday and, pending international clearance, could make his debut against Waterford on Friday.

Describing the deal as "pretty straightforward", he added it did not take long to decide upon signing up with Ruaidhri Higgins' side.

"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."

Having also played for Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion, and won the Austrian Bundesliga while on loan at Red Bull Salzburg, Wisdom will be venturing into the unfamiliar with his move to the League of Ireland, but says his attitude to the game does not change regardless of the league or level.

"When I see 11 players on the pitch, if you’re wearing the same shirt I expect you to run as hard for me as I will for you," he said.

"If we win, we do it together. If we lose, we do it together. I couldn’t care who I’m playing next to.

"We’re all team-mates, all footballers, all players aiming towards the same goals.

"I’ve always had that outlook. Even when I was with Liverpool, among superstars."

'It's definitely not a stepping stone'

The Candystripes are fighting on two fronts this season, two points behind league leaders Shelbourne having played a game more and will meet the same opposition in the FAI Cup quarter-finals next month.

"I look at this as a great opportunity," Wisdom added.

"The club are fighting for two trophies and to be part of that is great.

"Hopefully I can come here and add to the quality that we’ve got already.

"It’s definitely not a stepping stone. It’s a great opportunity and I’m genuinely grateful to be here."