Liverpool FC striker Hugo Ekitike made his return to his former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, in Champions League action on Wednesday night. The 23-year-old Frenchman was cool, calm and collected, slotting away his goal after breaking away on a counterattack to bring Liverpool level.
The striker did not celebrate after scoring, holding his hands up apologetically to the Frankfurt fans. After the game, he spoke to TNT Sports about the experience of returning to Deutsche Bank Park/Waldstadion after his summer move:
“You know I had to (score), it was a great feeling. Obviously, it was something special today for me to come back, I would say at home. I know everybody here.”
“It was a special game for me. Obviously to win, that was important, and to also score my first goal in the Champions League. I’m really happy.“
“I was just keeping cool, calm. I do what I can do. I knew he would come and he would open the legs so I tried to put it between the legs and that worked. That was good.”
“I have so much respect for them (Frankfurt). They made me the player I am right now. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t come to Frankfurt.”
“I can be respectful and grateful for what they gave to me. I will keep what I learned there and what they gave me all the time in the future.”
With Mo Salah being rested for the game, it presented an opportunity for Hugo and fellow new signing Alexander Isak to start together. Ekitike reflected on their partnership after the game:
“I think it was good. Obviously it was not the best half together but I think we can improve together.”
“He’s a very good player. I know in time we need to work together and find a good association. The links will come and it will work.”
“I think it (why I have settled so quickly) is because in my brain, I feel good. I have very good team-mates, good staff. I love my life there.”
“I just hope I’m going to keep going. I feel really good and they have helped me a lot. I think that’s why I’m calm and just doing my thing.”
Hugo has looked at home and has been in red-hot form since the start of the season, silly red card aside. He will surely be one of the first names on the team sheet, especially with Isak’s injury that caused him to be withdrawn at half-time.