Harvey Elliott says he is determined to make the most of a "second chance" at Liverpool after describing his loan spell at Aston Villa as a difficult but valuable learning experience.
The 23-year-old joined Villa on a season-long loan last summer, with an agreement that would have required Unai Emery's side to sign him permanently for £35 million if he made 10 appearances.
However, Villa decided early in the campaign not to activate the clause, limiting Elliott to just nine appearances and 277 minutes of first-team football. Emery later described the situation as "embarrassing for everyone involved."
Elliott returned to Liverpool earlier than expected this summer and has featured in both of the Reds' pre-season matches under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
Reflecting on his time at Villa, Elliott admitted the move did not unfold as he had hoped.
"I wanted to go and explore something, come out of my comfort zone and do something I thought personally would help me develop as a player again," he said.
"But unfortunately, it didn't work out."
Speaking after Liverpool's 1-0 pre-season victory over Wrexham in New York, Elliott said he is fully focused on proving himself under the club's new coaching staff.
"Now I'm back, and it's kind of a second chance, if you want to call it. With the new manager and coaching staff coming in, it's another opportunity to impress and hopefully get into their good books," he said.
"I wish Villa nothing but the very best. I have a lot of respect for the club, and they treated me really well. Unfortunately, the situation unfolded the way it did, but it's another learning experience. Now I'm back and trying to cement my place in the team and the squad."
A product of Fulham's academy, Elliott became one of the Premier League's youngest debutants before joining Liverpool in 2019.
He enjoyed regular opportunities under former manager Jürgen Klopp but featured less frequently during the Reds' Premier League title-winning campaign under Arne Slot, making 18 league appearances in the 2024–25 season before moving to Villa.
Despite the frustrations of his loan spell, Elliott believes the experience has strengthened him.
"Mentally, it was very tough, but it was a learning curve," he said.
"It gave me the chance to experience something new. As much as I didn't want to go through it, and I wouldn't wish that situation on any player because it's not nice, I don't have any hard feelings."
Elliott also played a part in Villa's UEFA Europa League triumph, describing it as another historic achievement in his career.
"I came through the other side, achieved something special at the end of the season, and being part of that was another great experience."
Looking ahead, the England Under-21 international, who was named Player of the Tournament as the Young Lions won the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, says his immediate priority is to regain full fitness and earn the trust of Iraola.
"Right now, I'm focused on getting myself physically and mentally to 100% and showing what I can do on the pitch," Elliott said.
"When the time is right, I'll speak with the manager. Ultimately, it's down to me. If I keep working hard and showing the right attitude, I believe I'll earn my opportunities."
"I'm really happy to be back. From the first day I walked through the doors at training, I had a huge smile on my face. Wearing this shirt again means everything to me. I just want to play freely, enjoy my football, and make the most of every opportunity because playing for Liverpool is the best feeling in the world."
