Twelve years after his aspirations of playing for Liverpool FC were seemingly dashed, Liverpool-born midfielder Thelo Aasgaard is preparing to represent Norway at the World Cup. At the age of 14, Aasgaard was released from the Reds' academy, a moment his father, Jonathan, remembers as a significant setback, though Thelo's determination to pursue football remained unwavering.
Jonathan Aasgaard recounted the conversation with his son following the academy release, stating that Thelo was resolute about continuing his football journey. This led him to Wigan Athletic, marking the next phase of his development. His career subsequently took him to Luton Town before making a move to Rangers in July of last year.
It was during his time at Luton Town that Aasgaard received his first senior international call-up for Norway in March last year, a development that surprised both him and his family. He has since maintained his place within the squad, culminating in his inclusion in the World Cup team announced by the King of Norway. His family, gathered in Mossley Hill, Liverpool, watched the announcement live, relayed via his brother in Oslo, describing it as a "very exciting moment."
Aasgaard now finds himself alongside celebrated Norwegian talents such as Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Arsenal's Martin Odegaard, both pivotal figures in their respective Premier League teams. The excitement surrounding the squad in Norway is reportedly immense, with Jonathan Aasgaard noting that products in supermarkets are even featuring the faces of the national team players, indicating high national expectations.
Interestingly, Aasgaard is not the only former Liverpool schoolboy to feature in the tournament. Anthony Gordon, now with England, and Ipswich striker Ali Al-Hamadi, representing Iraq, also share this background. There is a possibility that Aasgaard and Al-Hamadi could face each other when Norway plays Iraq in their opening Group I match on Tuesday.
Jonathan Aasgaard, principal cellist with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, will watch Norway's opening game from London due to a concert commitment, but plans to fly out for the second match against Senegal, with his wife and other children attending the first two games in person.