‘MVP!’ – Loris Karius’ wife Diletta Leotta screams from the stands as Liverpool flop finally returns to football after a year out – and keeps a clean sheet!

Loris Karius’ wife Diletta Leotta cheered from the stands as the former Liverpool goalkeeper kept a clean sheet on his return to action.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 31-year-old shot-stopper signed with Schalke in January, aiming to revive his career in Germany’s second division. His move came after an extended period away from first-team football, having left Newcastle United at the end of last season. Before his Schalke debut, his last competitive game had been for the Magpies in a 4-1 defeat against Arsenal on February 24, 2023.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite initially being second-choice behind Justin Heekeren, Karius was finally given his first opportunity to start on Friday night, making his much-anticipated return between the posts against Preussen Munster. He was instrumental in Schalke’s narrow win, producing a series of crucial saves throughout the game. His most impressive moment came in the dying stages when he made a stunning double save to deny efforts from Niko Koulis and David Kinsombi.

HOW DID LEOTTA REACT

Leotta, a well-known Serie A presenter for DAZN, expressed her appreciation for Karius’ heroics by sharing a short clip of him being celebrated by his teammates with the caption “MVP.”

The couple also shared a heartwarming moment after the match, as Karius was spotted waving to his wife in the stands as the two teams lined up before kick-off.

Karius also shared a post to celebrate his triumphant return, with the caption: “Back doing what I love 🙌🏻 Never give up 👊🏼”

WHAT DID KARIUS SAY?

Speaking to Sky Germany after the game, Karius expressed satisfaction with his performance and said, “For a goalkeeper, it’s always good if you can distinguish yourself. I tried to give the team security and to defuse what came at the goal. But that’s my job, I would be disappointed if I didn’t make those saves. That was fine for the debut.”

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WHAT NEXT FOR KARIUS?

With confidence restored and his first clean sheet secured, Karius will aim to build on this performance as he continues his journey to re-establish himself as a top-level goalkeeper. He will now be hoping to retain his place in Schalke’s starting lineup for their upcoming clash against Hertha Berlin on March 8.