Forgotten former Liverpool star, 30, claims he was ‘angry with himself’ after he was stabbed in a watch robbery at a house party in 2020 – and admits his body hasn’t been the same since
The life of a professional athlete can be a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with moments of triumph and heartbreak. For former Liverpool star Andre Wisdom, his journey has been no exception. Wisdom, who made his senior debut for the Reds in 2012, has been through a tumultuous period in his life, including a near-fatal stabbing incident in 2020. The attack, which occurred during a house party in the Toxteth area of Liverpool, left Wisdom hospitalized and his body “not the same” after being stabbed. Despite the physical and emotional trauma he endured, Wisdom has reflected on the incident with a sense of regret and self-awareness, admitting that he is “angry with himself” for putting himself in harm’s way.
As a talented young player, Wisdom had worked his way through the Liverpool youth system, making his senior debut under Brendan Rodgers in 2012. He went on to make 22 appearances for the Reds before moving to Derby County in 2017. However, it was during his time at Derby that Wisdom’s life took a dramatic turn. The stabbing incident, which occurred in June 2020, was a wake-up call for the player, forcing him to re-evaluate his priorities and perspective on life. In an interview with The Telegraph, Wisdom spoke candidly about the incident, revealing that he had played down its severity at the time. “I’m quite numb to incidents like that,” he said, referencing his father’s own experiences with violence. Despite the trauma he endured, Wisdom’s focus was on getting back to football as quickly as possible, and he played 36 games for Derby before suffering a groin injury that would ultimately end his time at the club.
Wisdom’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of athletes who face adversity. Despite being out of professional football for over two years, he refused to give up on his passion for the sport. In September, he signed with sixth-tier club Warrington Town, marking a new chapter in his footballing journey. The move has given Wisdom a fresh start, allowing him to rediscover his love for the game and play without the pressure of professional expectations. As he reflected on his journey, Wisdom spoke about the lessons he has learned, including the importance of being aware of his surroundings and avoiding situations that could put him in harm’s way. “It was more that I was angry with myself,” he said, referencing the stabbing incident. “Angry that I wasn’t more aware to avoid that situation. Now I look at it more as a lesson.”
One of the most striking aspects of Wisdom’s story is his humility and lack of pretension. Despite having played for top-tier clubs like Liverpool and Derby County, he remains grounded and unassuming. “Because I started young, I’ve got all of that out of my system now,” he said, referencing the trappings of fame and wealth that often come with professional football. “Playing football for money, or for the life it provides – the notoriety, interviews like this, TV – doesn’t really entice me.” This sense of perspective is a testament to Wisdom’s character, and a reminder that, even in the high-pressure world of professional sports, there is more to life than just winning and losing.
As Wisdom looks to the future, he is focused on enjoying his time on the pitch and making the most of his opportunities. “I don’t need to get back to professional football,” he said, reflecting on his motivations for playing. “Will I love it? A hundred per cent. Will I work hard? Yes. Do I want that? Yes. But I don’t need it.” This sense of freedom and joy is a hallmark of Wisdom’s approach to the game, and a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, athletes can find happiness and fulfillment through their passion for sport.
In the end, Andre Wisdom’s story is one of hope and resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way forward. Through his experiences, Wisdom has gained a newfound appreciation for life and a deeper understanding of himself, and he is now focused on making the most of his opportunities and enjoying the game he loves. As he takes to the pitch for Warrington Town, Wisdom is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, and a reminder that, no matter what challenges we face, we always have the power to choose our own path and create our own destiny.
