Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi shows love ahead of Liverpool return

Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has expressed his love for his former club in an interview with Liverpool .com ahead of their Premier League clash.

The 26-year-old joined Liverpool as a hot prospect after starring for Nigeria at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup but he was unable to break into the team.

Despite not making an appearance for the Reds, the Nottingham Forest forward still holds a special place in his heart for Liverpool and was full of praise for his former team.

However, Awoniyi will get to play against Liverpool again as the Tricky Trees travel to Anfield as he condemned the Reds to defeat last season with a solitary goal in a 1-0 victory at the City Ground Stadium and will be hoping to find the back of the net on his second visit.

Nottingham Forest will also be looking to end a streak of five matches without a win.

“It’s been a long journey! Last season playing at Anfield [Forest lost 3-2 in April] was a dream come true,” Awoniyi said.

“Of course I probably dreamed of playing there for Liverpool before I left, so playing there against them, it was a mixed feeling, I would say!

“Liverpool, I always say, is a family club. You develop as a person as well as a footballer, and I give so much credit to Liverpool for the way they looked after me, all the time I was away. I’m forever grateful for that.

“It was an important period, really good for me, and it was a big reason I was able to develop into the player and the person I have.”