Joel Matip's wife makes 'home' claim as Liverpool legend returns to Anfield
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Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsFeaturesJoël MatipLiverpool star Joel Matip makes a triumphant return to Anfield for the first time since leaving the club in 2024, while his wife Larissa refers to the city as 'home'Joel Matip's family returned to Anfield for the first time since he left the club in 2024(Image: Larissa.Matip/Instagram)Joel Matip's wife Larissa referred to Anfield as "home" as the pair returned for the first time since the defender left Liverpool almost two years ago.The Matip family was a guest of the Reds' captain for the game against Tottenham on Sunday. It was the first time the Cameroonian defender was spotted at the club since he hung up his boots at 33."It's wonderful to be back here, to be back here in the stadium, to hopefully see a wonderful game," Matip told club media channels.
He's a wonderful guy and a wonderful player and it's a pleasure to be here to see him play again." His appearance came after James Milner named Matip as the most underrated player he's played with.READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold finally vindicated as new Real Madrid verdict emergesREAD MORE: Liverpool coach offers verdict on Mor Talla Ndiaye debut two months after signing"There's nothing special to update!" he added on what he has been up to since retiring. "I'm just enjoying time with the family."Larissa shared a number of pictures of her family's trip to Anfield.
He famously assisted Divock Origi in the 2019 Champions League final against Tottenham in Madrid.Injuries restricted Matip to just nine appearances during Liverpool’s 2019/20 league title-winning season, which ended the club’s 30-year wait for the Premier League crown.He departed Liverpool at the close of the 2023/24 campaign alongside Jurgen Klopp, with his final season cut short by an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Matip retired in October 2024.Joel Matip's son walked out with Virgil van Dijk on the family's return to Anfield(Image: Larissa.Matip/Instagram)The Cameroonian defender was also spotted earlier this season at one of his former clubs, Schalke 04.However Matip's return won't have been quite what he hoped.