Ekitike: 'I like to be famous but unknown' - Striker Opens Up on Liverpool Life and Future Ambitions

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has given a revealing interview, discussing his fast start to life at Anfield, his relationship with Mohamed Salah, and his ambitions to win the Premier League title. The 23-year-old Frenchman, who joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £69m summer transfer, has quickly become a fan favourite, netting five goals in his first ten appearances.

Ekitike's comments come as part of "The Football Interview," a new BBC series hosted by Kelly Somers, which aims to delve deeper into the personalities of football's biggest names. The full interview will be broadcast on BBC One later this evening.

Early Days and Turning Points

In the interview, Ekitike reflects on his journey to the top, recalling his early days playing football with his brothers and cousin. "They were not good at football! We all love football but we just randomly played in the street," he joked. He also spoke about a crucial moment at the Reims academy when he was 14, revealing he was close to being released. "I was the kind who dreamed a lot on the pitch... I had an appointment with my parent. They told me if that were at the end of the season, that would be the end... I knew then it would never happen. In my mind, I wanted to be the best."

He identified his unsuccessful spell at Paris St-Germain as another turning point, stating that the experience "set me to be more tough in the head. I am different since I went to Paris. I am a way better player and better human."

Life at Liverpool and Salah Partnership

Ekitike expressed his pride at joining Liverpool and his determination to bring success to the club. "The first feeling was that I was proud... 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."

He also spoke glowingly about playing alongside Mohamed Salah. "Mo is a really cool guy, he is really open with me and is really good to talk too. He is great to play with... You can just improve yourself and learn from him. It is good to share the pitch with him and I hope we are going to score lots of goals and bring some wins to the team together."

'Famous but Unknown'

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the interview was Ekitike's desire to maintain a degree of privacy despite his growing fame. "I like to be famous but unknown," he stated. "People don't know what I am doing when I am home or what I do during my free time or talking to my brother." He revealed that on his days off, he enjoys spending time with his family in Paris, playing PlayStation, and watching movies, citing "Whiplash" and "The Wolf of Wall Street" as his favorites. He also disclosed a surprising hidden talent: drawing.

Premier League Ambitions

When asked about his ultimate career goal, Ekitike didn't hesitate. "It's difficult because I want to achieve so many things but, right now, Premier League with Liverpool... I know how special it is to win the Premier League for English people. Especially here. So, yeah, to win the league with Liverpool it would be class."

Expert Analysis

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, speaking to BBC Sport, believes Ekitike's mentality is key to his success. "What strikes me most about Ekitike is his maturity and his hunger. He's clearly learned from his experiences, both good and bad, and he's arrived at Liverpool with a real desire to prove himself. That attitude, coupled with his obvious talent, makes him a very exciting prospect for Liverpool."

Historical Context

Ekitike's arrival at Liverpool continues a long line of French players who have graced the Premier League. From Eric Cantona to Thierry Henry, French footballers have consistently made a significant impact on English football. Ekitike will be hoping to emulate their success and write his own chapter in Premier League history.

Ekitike joined Liverpool for £69m from Eintracht Frankfurt. He has scored five goals in his first ten appearances. He wants to win the Premier League with Liverpool. He enjoys drawing in his spare time.

The full interview with Hugo Ekitike will be broadcast on BBC One at 23:40 BST tonight.