Hugo Ekitike was delighted to swap shirts with France legend Antoine Griezmann after Liverpool's victory over Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike reacts to Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.
Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike reacts to Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.
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Hugo Ekitike dropped to the subs bench for the first time in his Liverpool career against Atletico Madrid as Arne Slot handed club-record signing Alexander Isak his debut for the club. But that did not stop the Frenchman from having an impact when he was introduced.
Brought on in the 58th minute, the Frenchman missed two huge chances as Liverpool required a stoppage-time header from Virgil van Dijk to clinch a 3-2 victory. While Ekitike missed his opportunities to get on the scoresheet against the La Liga outfit, he has enjoyed a strong start to his Reds career.
Signed for an initial £69m from Eintracht Frankfurt, he has returned three goals and an assist from his first three outings for the club.
But following Liverpool's signing of Isak, numerous pundits have questioned Ekitike's decision to move to Anfield.
"He better get used to it," TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist remarked during the Reds' clash with Atletico when asked if Ekitike was unfortunate to be named on the subs bench.
Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher admits Isak will push Ekitike out of Slot's strongest starting XI when fully match fit.
And Andy Gray is adamant that Ekitike should have joined Newcastle United instead of the Reds, with both the former Everton striker and Richard Keys insisting he would have known Liverpool were moving for Isak when he made his own move to Anfield.
While Ekitike was not selected to start against Atletico, that did not stop the Anfield crowd from showing their support from the Frenchman.
He was swiftly serenaded by the Kop when going out to warm up for the first time as they changed his name and catchy chant, to the tune of 'Do the conga'.
He then received similar treatment when introduced in the second half.
While it would have, perhaps, been a little understandable for Ekitike to have been put out at being benched against Atletico, given his impressive start to the season, the France forward still enjoyed a night to remember against the La Liga outfit.
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And he was giving a lasting memento following the final whistle that he clearly treasured after swapping shirts with Antoine Griezmann - having been pictured embracing his compatriot on the pitch at the end of the match.
The 34-year-old retired from international football last September, having made 137 appearances for France and scored 44 goals.
The veteran scored in France's 2018 World Cup final victory over Croatia, netting four times throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, he also scored six times at Euro 2016 and was named player of the tournament as his nation lost to Portugal in the final.
A France legend as a result, it is no surprise that Griezmann would be an idol to the 23-year-old Ekitike.
And the Liverpool forward was left mesmerised after swapping shirts with him at the final whistle.
Hugo Ekitike admires Antoine Griezmann's shirt after swapping with his compatriot after Liverpool's win vs Atletico Madrid.
Hugo Ekitike admires Antoine Griezmann's shirt after swapping with his compatriot after Liverpool's win vs Atletico Madrid.
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Sharing a picture of himself holding up and looking at Griezmann's shirt in awe on his Instagram story, Ektike paid thanks to his compatriot as he tagged the Atletico star and wrote: "Legend"
Ekitike is expected to return to Liverpool's starting XI on Saturday when the Reds take on cross-city rivals Everton in the first Merseyside derby of the season.