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Hugo Ekitike has revealed why he chose to sign for Liverpool this summer amid interest from several other leading Premier League clubs.
The striker spoke to Newcastle and had looked likely to join the Magpies at one stage of the window, before Liverpool stepped up its interest. Manchester United then made a desperate late bid to sign the Frenchman when it became clear he was Anfield-bound.
But nothing could dissuade Ekitike from joining the Premier League champions. The forward has spoken about that decision in recent months, but was asked again ahead of the Champions League clash against Galatasaray.
“It’s just the best choice, the champion of England,” explained Liverpool’s No. 22. “For me, they had great players, greatest story, it just fit for what I was looking for after Frankfurt.
“So yeah, I think it was a good choice for me, yeah, that’s why I chose Liverpool, it’s just the best option and I wanted to come.”
Since arriving at Liverpool, Ekitike has mainly started as a central striker, but Alexander Isak's deadline-day transfer has put his long-term role into doubt.
However, Ekitike has claimed he is not concerned by Isak joining the Reds and feels he can learn from the ex-Newcastle star, and could partner him in a front two at some point.
He said: “I think it's good. We play at such a big club. I can't see one big club playing just with only one striker.
“I think it's good that he's here. From my age, I think I have still a lot of things to improve and learn, so for me it's good that he's here. That's [for] the coach to decide how he wants to play, that's not me.
“But obviously you know it's a great player. I've been playing in a two-striker composition, one striker, so I can do a lot of things. If we have to play together, I can do that.”
Ekitike has adapted quickly to life at Liverpool, scoring five goals in seven starts. His impressive form has even earned him a call-up to the French national squad. And the 23-year-old appears to be taking it all in his stride.
He continued: “To say I knew I would perform like that, no – but that's what I expected. I work for that.
“Obviously I'm happy that it works and I just want to keep going and do even more for this team. When I first played [in the] Champions League with PSG, I was young, I was on the bench, I was more watching.
“I would say now it's my time being someone who can help the team to reach success [in the] Champions League and I'm very grateful for that. I will give 100 per cent of myself.”
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