The Football Interview: Hugo Ekitike's Journey at Liverpool
The Football Interview is a new series where prominent figures in sports and entertainment engage in insightful discussions with host Kelly Somers about the nation's beloved sport.
This series delves into mindset and motivation, exploring significant moments, career highlights, and personal reflections. The Football Interview aims to reveal the individual behind the athlete.
Episodes will be available on Saturdays via BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website. This week’s interview will air on BBC One at 23:40 BST on Saturday, October 4, following Sportscene in Scotland.
Hugo Ekitike has made a notable impact since joining Liverpool, scoring five goals in his first ten appearances. The French forward seamlessly adapted to life in the Premier League following a £69 million transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt this past summer.
At just 23 years old, Ekitike began his career with Reims, had a brief stint in Denmark with Vejle Boldklub, and later moved to Paris Saint-Germain, initially on loan before securing a permanent deal. Although his time in the French capital was challenging, a transfer to Frankfurt revitalized his career, where he netted 15 goals and provided eight assists in the Bundesliga last season.
Ekitike recently sat down with Kelly Somers to discuss his upbringing, the experience of playing alongside Mohamed Salah, and his passion for drawing.
Kelly Somers: What was a young Hugo Ekitike like?
Hugo Ekitike: I was very shy. I've changed a lot since then. I was nice and passionate about football.
Kelly: At what point did football become a significant part of your life?
Hugo: Football has always been my life. I talk about it with my brothers all the time. It's my passion, and I've loved it since I was young.
Kelly: Were your brothers your earliest memories of playing football?
Hugo: Not really. They weren't very good, but we loved playing in the street and at school. I spent a lot of time playing outside.
Kelly: When did you realize you were better than your brothers at football?
Hugo: It wasn't just my brothers; my cousins played too, but they were just having fun. My family loves football, and while they didn't make it, they live their dream through me.
Kelly: Have you always played as a forward?
Hugo: Yes, I've always been an offensive player. I was a winger when I was smaller, but as I grew taller, I transitioned to being a center-forward.
Kelly: Can you recall the first team you played for and your memories from that time?
Hugo: I played for Cormontreuil, which was a local club. It wasn't serious; we just played games without warm-ups. I started at four and a half, just learning the basics and having fun.
Kelly: Was there a coach who significantly impacted your career?
Hugo: My first coach, Rodolf, brought me to Cormontreuil. He was important in my early development, and I hope to reconnect with him one day.
Kelly: Was there a particular turning point in your career?
Hugo: At 14, while at the Reims academy, I was not performing well. My parents told me that if I didn't improve by the end of the season, I would be released. That motivated me, and I returned much stronger.
Kelly: What other turning points have you experienced?
Hugo: When I went to Denmark and sat on the bench, I was determined to prove myself. Upon my return to Reims, I became the first striker on the list, which was a significant turning point for my career.
Kelly: How has your time at PSG shaped you?
Hugo: It was a pivotal moment in my life. Experiencing failure there made me tougher mentally. I have grown both as a player and a person since then.
Kelly: What has your experience at Liverpool been like so far?
Hugo: I felt proud to join Liverpool, especially considering my background. I understand that football has its ups and downs, so I stay focused on working hard and helping the team achieve success.
Kelly: What is it like playing with Mohamed Salah?
Hugo: It's great. Mo is very approachable and a fantastic teammate. I admired him on TV, and now I have the opportunity to learn from him on the pitch.
Kelly: What is he like as a person?
Hugo: He is much cooler than I expected. He is friendly and welcoming, which has helped me integrate into the team.
Kelly: What are your childhood memories?
Hugo: I spent a lot of time with my mum and younger brother, and it was all about football. School and football were my main activities.