Hugo Ekitike (23, striker, Liverpool) spoke at a press conference ahead of France’s match against Iceland on Tuesday. The former Paris Saint-Germain player looked back on his time at the club, which he described as a learning experience without bitterness, and took the opportunity to salute Presnel Kimpembe (30), who recently left Paris. He also expressed his excitement at the prospect of returning to the Parc des Princes wearing the French national team jersey.
Ekitike: “No, it’s not revenge”
“No, it’s not revenge. It’s football speaking. I held on, I believed in myself. But to talk about revenge—no, there is no hatred towards what happened with Christophe Galtier or at Paris Saint-Germain. It was a learning experience. I have no regrets. I really grew as a player and as a person at Paris Saint-Germain.”
Ekitike on Kimpembe: “I was happy to see him lift that Champions League trophy, I know it meant a lot to him”
“Presnel, I haven’t seen him for a while, but he was really a great guy, French, and one of the people I spoke to the most during my time at PSG. I know he went through a lot of difficulties and challenges in recent years with his injuries. I was happy to see him lift that Champions League trophy, I know it meant a lot to him. I hope he’s happy with this move and we can only wish him the best for what comes next.”
Ekitike: “I can’t wait to go back there”
A return to the Parc?
I’m really happy. The last time I left the Parc wasn’t necessarily in the best way. Being able to return with the French national team means a lot to me. It’s a special place, a stadium I know well. I can’t wait to go back there, see the fans, and hopefully get some playing time to show what I can do.” (comments relayed by RMC Sport).
Far from the image of a bitter player, Hugo Ekitike emphasized the formative nature of his time at Paris Saint-Germain. Sidelined under Christophe Galtier, the striker believes that period allowed him to grow, both as a footballer and as a person. Now, he finds himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
He kept his head down. It’s well known that he is extremely ambitious and confident in his abilities. Maybe one day he will return to Paris, but his mentality is the right one—he’s learning, not resentful, not vengeful. He knows football is complex, that it’s about performing at the right moment. For him, the future is already taking shape. He is destined for a great career—it’s up to him to make it exceptional.
