Hugo Ekitike expressed his pride after receiving a warm reception from Anfield during Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
The summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt was serenaded by supporters with a chant to the tune of Do the Conga after he opened the scoring in the Reds’ 4-2 victory over the Cherries last Friday.
His 37th-minute run and composed finish added to the stunning strike he produced on his debut at Wembley the previous week in the FA Community Shield.
“I heard the song when I was [in the] corner. It was amazing,” the 23-year-old said. “I’m very grateful and I want to hear it louder next time! It was fun.”
Breaking down his goal versus the Cherries, the forward continued: “I’ve been a bit lucky with the touch. I tried to meg the defender but the ball came back and then I was alone.
“The celebration [was] for Diogo [Jota] because I think it was an important day for him and his family and for the crowd. Obviously we were celebrating him.”
Ekitike has been shortlisted for the Premier League Player of the Matchweek award following an impressive debut for Liverpool.
The French forward scored and provided an assist as the Reds began their title defence with a 4-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth at Anfield.
He is joined on the shortlist by Daniel Ballard, Erling Haaland, David Raya, Tijjani Reijnders, Richarlison, Antoine Semenyo, and Chris Wood.
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