Angel Gomes: Why I visited TB Joshua for healing

Angel Gomes, a Manchester United player, has opened up on why he went to TB Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) for healing over his persistent injuries — after an old video of his visit resurfaced on social media.

In 2016, the talented attacking midfield player had travelled to Nigeria to see the clergyman. But footage of his visit to SCOAN began to make the rounds on Monday evening.

Taking to Twitter in reaction to fans who questioned his motives for pulling such a stunt, Gomes noted that he was just practicing his faith even though it all looked “crazy” from the outside.

“Regarding the video that has come out from 2016. I am from a Christian family at the time my mum was a fan of the pastor, and she really wanted me to go,” the 19-year-old wrote on Tuesday.

“I was going through some issues. From the outside looking in, it looks crazy, but I was just practicing (sic) my faith.

“I didn’t really need to explain myself but a lot of people were asking me what the video was about. I was young at the time and if my parents thought something was best for Me I would do it.

“There are far more important issues out there in the world we can tackle.”

I didn’t really need to explain myself but a lot of people was asking me what the video was about. I was young at the time and if my parents thought something was best for Me I would do it. There are far more important issues out there in the world we can tackle.

— Santi Gomes (@agomes_47) June 16, 2020

In 2017, Gomes was said to have informed his club that he wouldn’t represent England U17s at that year’s UEFA European Championship finals in Croatia over an injury that held him back.

He is reputed as the youngest player to represent Manchester United since Duncan Edwards, who died at 21, in 1953. He is also the first player born in the 2000s to appear in the Premier League.