Twenty-three-year-old Hugo Ekitike spoke to Liverpoolfc.com following his arrival in Hong Kong to train with the side for the first time. The young Frenchman is excited about his move, and feels coming to Liverpool now matches with his career objectives:
I feel very proud [to come to Liverpool]. Obviously it’s a big, big club. I’m just excited, I’m a bit like a kid. I’ve been dreaming to come and play in the Premier League. And to play for Liverpool is a big, big good feeling for me. I just can’t
ADwait to start to play games and to win trophies...
I think that was the right moment. I came to the Bundesliga hungry, I wanted to show that I’m a good player and I can make the difference on the pitch. I think I did well last season. Now, I feel ready to make a bigger step and to play on the highest level, to improve myself, to see what I can do. That’s why I think it’s the right timing for me and the perfect moment to come here.
Ekitike joins Liverpool as defending league champions, but he does not expect the side to rest on their laurels:
Yeah, obviously Liverpool are already on the top, but we have still things to reach. That’s why we want to be the best and need to improve every season to go and reach the success. It’s going to be a difficult season and a long season, but we have the quality to reach everything I think.
Much as the Frenchman feels his move to Liverpool is perfect for him in this moment, he’s grateful to his former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, which was also perfect for him at that point in his career:
I’m really grateful to them. I could express myself. I found family there, really nice people. They took time, they have been patient with me. I made mistakes also on the pitch, and I could improve. That’s the best way to learn and become a better footballer and better person, because I think I have been growing on both sides. I’m just really, really grateful and they’ll stay always in my heart.
Ekitike is one of seven players to join the Reds this summer, and he looks forward to competition for playing time — and seeing how Arne Slot can improve him as a player.
More from liverpooloffside.sbnation.com:
- Newcastle United Reportedly Bid for Liverpool Striker
- Barcelona Reportedly Preparing £132M Coutinho Bid
- Catalan Press Claim Philippe Coutinho has Chosen Barcelona Shirt Number
- Rumour Mongering: Reds In For Roma Keeper Alisson
- Barcelona Claim They’ve Shown Liverpool “Respect” in Coutinho Chase
- Adam Lallana Is Ready To Compete
- Emre Can Expected to Remain at Liverpool Until Summer
