Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike isn't worried about the possible backlash from Newcastle United fans when the Reds entertain Newcastle at home in the Premier League on Saturday. The Magpies were in the fray for Ekitike's signature last summer, but the Frenchman eventually moved to Anfield.
Ekitike, 23, joined the Reds in a move reportedly worth £79 million from Eintracht Frankfurt and has had a decent start to life in English football. In 31 games across competitions, he has bagged 13 goals and four assists, with his latest goal contributions being a goal and an assist in a thumping 6-0 UEFA Champions League home win over Qarabag in midweek.
As per the BBC, Newcastle saw a £70 million bid for Ekitike turned down before he moved to the Reds. Magpies fans could still feel aggrieved by the incident, but the Frenchman isn't worried about getting any stick from visiting fans when the Reds return to Premier League action this weekend.
"I made my choice," said Ekitike (as per Sport Bible). "I knew where I wanted to come, and I'm where I wanted to come. I don't care (about getting a stick from Newcastle fans). I play for Liverpool. I have my fans here!"
Ekitike scored in his opening two Premier League games but hasn't done so in his last four since finding the back of the net in the 2-1 win at Tottenham last month.
Liverpool vs Newcastle: A few tidbits
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool have a commanding 82-43 lead after 166 competitive meetings with Newcastle United. That includes a 3-2 away win over the Magpies in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
In fact, the Reds are unbeaten in 18 Premier League games against Newcastle, winning 13, since a 2-0 defeat on the road in December 2015. The Magpies have struggled in league trips to Anfield, going winless in their last 29, losing 24, their joint-worst run against any opponent (also Manchester United between 1973 and 2012).
A win for Arne Slot's side on Saturday will mark their 12th league double over the Magpies, one more than their current best mark against any opponent (West Ham United-11). However, the Reds are winless in five league games, with their last match being a 3-2 defeat at AFC Bournemouth, snapping a four-game drawing streak.