Ings: How LFC squad video inspired me after second operation
While Danny Ings was preparing to undergo an operation on a second knee injury within the space of a year last November, Liverpool's squad came up with an idea to raise his spirits.
News of the striker’s latest setback – coming in only his third competitive appearance after battling back from anterior cruciate ligament damage – was disheartening for all within Melwood.
But eager to offer encouragement to the popular forward ahead of his rehabilitation, Jürgen Klopp requested an LFCTV camera be stationed within the training complex to allow players and staff the chance to record a personalised message to Ings.
All sentiments were covered; some were heartfelt and emotional, some were intentionally humorous, some were vociferously passionate, but each carried the same underlying theme: we are here for you.
And while lying in a hospital bed a short time after his surgery had been completed, Ings watched the final package on a laptop.
“It was surprising, really,” he explained to Liverpoolfc.com. “I had just come around from my operation and was sat there in hospital with my girlfriend.
“I then got a message from one of our analysis guys and he said ‘open this’… it was incredibly emotional. My girlfriend even burst into tears while she watched it.
“I have never experienced anything like it in my life before in terms of the support I received. It was unbelievable.
“To have a video like that from all of the players, the staff and even the canteen ladies, it just shows what this club is about and how supportive people are here.
“The video really, really inspired me to jump straight back into the gym as soon as I was able to, to graft as hard as I can and to do well for me on a personal level, but also to show everyone at Liverpool and all the fans I am still able to show them what I am about – and I will do everything I can to do that.
“It has made me hungry to do the best I can do for this football club and to try and achieve great things with the squad and the fans.
“From the moment I came into the club, there hasn’t been any negative response to me with these injuries from the supporters – it’s all been positive with everyone wishing me the best and wanting me to do well.
“I want to do everything I can to fight to get back on that pitch and show everyone what I can do and repay them.”