“I was really bad” – Hugo Ekitike opens up on his journey to Liverpool

Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike in His Own Words: From Self-Doubt to Premier League Ambition

Every elite footballer has a turning point, a moment when raw talent collides with cold truth. For Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike, speaking to BBC Sport, that moment came at just 14 years old during his time at the Reims academy. His recollection is startling in its honesty.

“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.”

The wake-up call came swiftly.

“I had an appointment with my parent. They told me if that were at the end of the season, that would be the end.”

Asked bluntly if that meant he would be released, he replied without hesitation.

“Yeah. I knew then it would never happen. In my mind, I wanted to be the best. When I came back, I was really good. It focused me and there was a turning point.”

That brush with failure forged the mentality Liverpool now benefit from.

Photo: IMAGO

Life at Liverpool Under Arne Slot

Ekitike’s path from Reims to Vejle, PSG, Eintracht Frankfurt and finally Liverpool has been anything but linear, yet each stage has hardened his mindset. The pride of arriving at Anfield was obvious.

“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.”

Playing for the reigning Premier League champions under Arne Slot, he has already struck up a strong understanding with Mohamed Salah.

“Really good. 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. I was watching him on TV when he was scoring the goals and stuff but he is a really great athlete. You can just improve yourself and learn from him.”

Salah’s public image can sometimes give the impression of distance. Ekitike dismissed that immediately.

“He is very cool. More cool than what I have seen on TV because sometimes you see straight face and stuff so I thought he was cold… someone who doesn’t talk a lot. He is really open, like all of the guys here. They are really open and want me to adapt to the team.”

Life Beyond the Pitch

For someone eager to perform on the biggest stage, Ekitike is surprisingly private. His outlook is refreshingly grounded.

“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.”

Day-to-day escapism comes through art.

“Ah yes, I have one. I can draw. People, everything, life. Sometimes I like to draw. It’s always been easy for me.”

Films provide another outlet.

“My favourite one? I have two which are Whiplash and The Wolf of Wall Street.”

Eyes on the Ultimate Prize

There is no secret about his main target.

“If I could only achieve one more thing in my career what would it be? Premier League with Liverpool.”

Pressed further, he delivered the kind of line that resonates instantly with supporters.

“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.”

Hugo Ekitike may enjoy being “famous but unknown”, yet he is rapidly becoming essential to Liverpool’s future. The boy who once admitted “I was really bad” is now chasing greatness in front of the Kop.