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Hugo Ekitike has revealed that Wayne Rooney's iconic overhead kick for Manchester United against Manchester City in 2011 stands as his favorite Premier League goal of all time.
The Frenchman may be a Liverpool player, but he hasn't hesitated in acknowledging that a former Everton star wearing the Red Devils jersey produced his most memorable strike. Rooney's effort is considered among the finest ever witnessed in English soccer, earning the Premier League Goal of the 20 Seasons accolade in 2012.
The strike was also crowned United's Goal of the decade and arrived at a crucial moment with Sir Alex Ferguson's team on the brink of claiming the title. City was an emerging power, yet United remained the dominant force in Manchester and needed to demonstrate its superiority once more.
Nani had broken the deadlock in the opening period before David Silva netted a fortunate leveller after Edin Dzeko's effort struck his back and found the net.
Rooney would deliver the decisive blow though, and it remains a goal that has resonated with Liverpool's new acquisition.
Ekitike revealed to TNT Sports: "Wayne Rooney's bicycle kick. That's my favorite goal ever in the Premier League."
The striker, despite growing up in his homeland of France, would probably have witnessed the goal at a tender age, considering the Premier League's worldwide appeal and the significance of the Manchester derby.
Rooney has previously confessed that his legendary moment occurred during a match where he was well below his finest form. "I was so bad in that game," he has claimed upon reflection.
"It's one of the worst games I've ever played. I couldn't control a ball. I think it's more of an iconic goal because it's the derby, you score and win the game 2-1. But you don't practise overhead kicks."
Nani delivered a deflected assist following his opener, with Rooney acknowledging the looped cross worked to his advantage.
He explained: "The deflection [from Nani's cross] actually helped me, because it slowed the ball down and gave me time to adjust myself, turn my body."
Ferguson hailed it as the finest goal he'd witnessed at Old Trafford.
He said post-match: "Well, I haven't seen anything like it, that's for sure. Absolutely stunning, unbelievable. The thing about that goal is that Nani's goal will be forgotten - and it was fantastic.
"His first touch, taking it past the defender, rolling it into the net, it was unbelievable. But no one in their right sense will even talk about it."
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