Hugo Ekitike talked about how the turning point in his sports career came at the age of 14 at the Reims Academy. In the exclusive interview with BBC Sport, he also mentioned that he knows that moving to
Liverpool has made him more renowned, but he is pleased to be unknown and keep his private life secret. The Frenchman has quickly won over Liverpool fans since his summer signing, and his sole mistake at Anfield was getting a red card in one of their recent matches. Ekitike is only 23 years old, yet he has played in four different nations and has made more than 140 professional appearances. Liverpool is a big step up in his career.
Speaking about his experience at the Reims Academy, “When I was 14, I was playing in the Reims academy, and I was bad. I was really bad. I was the kind who dreamed a lot on the pitch. I had quality, but I was dreaming too much, a sleeping player. I had an appointment with my parent. They told me if that were at the end of the season, that would be the end.” His career started with Reims, then he went to play for Denmark with Vejle Boldklub, and then moved to Paris St-Germain (PSG) on loan, before signing a longer-term deal.
I know football is just moments, you can be at the top and go down straight: Hugo Ekitike on his journey at Liverpool
The entire journey of Hugo Ekitike from Reims to Vejle, Eintracht Frankurt to PSG, and at Liverpool has been quite interesting. While mentioning his experience, Hugo mentioned, “The first feeling was that I was proud. To come here when I know where I come from. I know football is just moments, you can be at the top and go down straight. I set my mind to always be ready, work hard, improve myself and bring success to the team and help the maximum way I can to reach trophies and wins.”
While mentioning about the coach who acted s the guide and had a the biggest impact on his career, Etikite mentioned about his first coach Rodolf. “He was the one who brought me to Cormontreuil when I was young. Where I was from, I was in the centre for kids because my mum was working. He brought me to the team. When I was in Paris, I came back because I have my name somewhere in the football club. We don't talk much but I remember him and if I go home one day, I will go to say 'hi'.”
“If it's me, I show this to people. I know it comes with being a football player with Liverpool - you are more famous, but my private life I don't want people to know. I like to be famous but unknown,” he added. Hugo Ekitike might like being “famous but unknown”, but is now becoming an important part of Liverpool's future.
