As Hugo Ekitike launches himself towards superstar status at Liverpool, Arsenal supporters have decided en masse that he should have been playing for them this season.
Head over to social media after the Frenchman has delivered yet another masterclass and you will see thousands of Gunners fans pining after the Reds’ No. 22.
There was a time around two decades ago when Arsenal had within their ranks a number of excellent French players, along with the best manager the country had to offer in Arsene Wenger.
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Thierry Henry was the face of the Premier League, and given the faint similarities between Ekitike and Henry’s playing style, Arsenal fans believe that the Liverpool striker was destined to play for them, not the Reds.
To top things off, somewhere along the line a myth was perpetuated that Henry was Ekitike’s childhood hero. Thankfully, the 23-year-old has spoken out to put an end to such nonsense and nail his colours firmly to the Liverpool mast.
Hugo Ekitike did not idolise Thierry Henry
After exploding since his arrival at Liverpool, Ekitike has been heavily compared with Fernando Torres, and it is easy to see why. A clinical finisher capable of scoring every type of goal, the former Eintracht Frankfurt man moves in a way that is reminiscent of the great Spaniard.
The Henry comparisons are less pronounced, though they are there. Tall, silky, quick and – seemingly crucial to Arsenal fans – French, there is something to work with.
Hugo Ekitike gestures towards the Liverpool crowd after scoring during the Premier League match against Newcastle at Anfield.
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But when asked by Sky Sports to name which players inspired him growing up, Ekitike did not mention the Gunners legend.
“I have two,” he answered. “I would say Neymar and Karim Benzema are the players that impressed me the most, that I was watching the most when I was home.
On Benzema, Ekitike added: “We play the same position, I love the way he plays, like a really good footballer to watch with assists, goals and he played for the team and that’s what I’m expecting to become.”
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Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool in the Premier League against Newcastle United at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
With another question cropping up about the best striker in the world, Ekitike listed some brilliant names from the past including Samuel Eto’o, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Benzema, Robin Van Persie, Torres and Luis Suarez. No Henry.
Ekitike only wanted to join Liverpool
If Arsenal fans were still in any doubt that Ekitike was in fact not destined to join them last summer, the France international also very clearly answered exactly why he wanted to join Liverpool.
“First of all because they were champions last season, you can join the best team in England how can you say no,” Ekitike said, sending a dagger through Arsenal hearts.
“The players they have, the style of play, I saw myself playing in this team, thinking it would look really good. For me that was the best choice, a really easy decision.”
Arsenal may get the last laugh this season and take over Liverpool’s title as Premier League champions, but they were not in the race to sign Ekitike and it’s about time their supporters realised it.
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