Liverpool new boy Hugo Ekitike has claimed the Wayne Rooney's iconic overhead kick for Manchester United in 2012 is his favourite Premier League goal of all-time
Hugo Ekitike has named a famous Man Utd goal as his favourite Premier League strike
Hugo Ekitike has named a famous Man Utd goal as his favourite Premier League strike
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Hugo Ekitike has claimed that Wayne Rooney's iconic overhead kick for Manchester United, which downed Manchester City in 2011, is his favourite Premier League goal ever.
The Frenchman might be a Liverpool player, but he's not been shy in admitting a former Everton player donning the Red Devils shirt scored his most memorable goal. Rooney's strike is regarded among the greatest ever scored in the Premier League - and landed the Premier League Goal of the 20 Seasons award in 2012.
It was also named as United's Goal of the decade and came at a vital time with Sir Alex Ferguson's side on the cusp of the title. City were a coming force, but United were still top dogs in Manchester and needed to prove it once again.
Nani had opened the scoring in the first-half before David Silva scored a fortuitous equaliser after Edin Dzeko's shot hit his back and went in. Rooney would have the final word though and it is a goal that has stuck with Liverpool's new boy.
Ekitike told TNT Sports: "Wayne Rooney's bicycle kick. That's my favourite goal ever in the Premier League."
The forward, even growing up in his native France, will likely have seen the goal at a young age given the Premier League's global reach and the profile of the Manchester derby. Rooney has previously admitted his iconic moment came during a game where he was miles off his best.
"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."
Wayne Rooney's overhead kick against Man City remains etched in history
Wayne Rooney's overhead kick against Man City remains etched in history
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Nani provided a deflected assist to follow on from his opening goal - with Rooney admitting the looped cross worked in his favour. He said: “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 declared it as the greatest goal he'd seen at Old Trafford. He said post-match: "Well I haven't see anything like it thats for sure. Absolute 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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