Ekitic: Can t wait to win the trophy; Gerald is probably Liverpool s number one legend, right?

July 25th Liverpool signed 23-year-old Ekitic for a total price of 95 million euros, and the player accepted an exclusive interview with Liverpool's official website. Ekitic said that this is the "perfect" time to join Liverpool.

Hugo, congratulations, you are now a Liverpool player. Can you tell us what this feels like?

Ekitic: "I am very proud. Obviously this is an incredible club. I am very excited now and feel like a kid now. I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League. And playing for Liverpool is an incredible feeling for me. I can't wait to start the game and win the championship trophy."

Why is this transfer the right choice for you?

Ekitic: "I think this is the right time. When I first joined the Bundesliga, I wanted to prove that I am a good player and can change the situation on the court. I feel that I have performed well last season. Now, I feel like I am ready to take a bigger step, play at the highest level, improve myself, and see how far I can do. That's why I think now is the right time for me and it's the perfect time to come here."

You mentioned the timing, can you talk to us about the past 48 hours? Things seem to be moving very fast, you take a plane, meet your teammates here, and then start training the next day...

Ekitic: "Yes, obviously things are developing very fast. I flew over immediately after signing the contract. Although this flight was long, I was really excited to come here to meet everyone. The pace was fast, but I enjoyed every moment. I was used to living in the present and enjoying every experience here. I was very excited."

You first caught up to watch the training for a while on Thursday and then met new teammates on the court, which was a great welcome ceremony...

Ekitic: "I think this is the ideal way to meet everyone, or even meet the legends of the club. It was a wonderful moment on the court, with a lot of fans around. The scene was so shocking, and I am deeply grateful for it."

Then you train for the first time, put on the training suit and join in. How good is the team? how are you feeling?

Ekitic: "You see the players on the team, and obviously our team is full of talents. Being able to play with such excellent players is a pleasure in itself. I need to put in more effort to reach and even surpass their level."

The time for you to join is an exciting moment. Liverpool is already the Premier League champion, and now the team is determined to go further on this basis...

Ekitic: "Yes, obviously Liverpool is at its peak, but we still have goals to achieve. That's why we want to be the best team, we need to make progress every season and chase victory. It will be a difficult and long season, but I think we have the strength to win everything."

You are one of the seven new players this season. From the fans' reactions, it can be seen that these signings are very exciting. You must be very excited to be able to play football with these new teammates, right?

Ekitic: "It's obviously meaningful. This summer window is great for the club, they bring in many high-level players. I think the team will get better, and I'm very sure about it. That's why the fans are so happy."

You have had a wonderful 17 months in Frankfurt. It was initially on loan and then transferred to a permanent transfer. At that stage of your career, where does it look like a club tailored for?

Ekitic: "I am very grateful for it. I can fully show myself there. I found the feeling of home, and the people there are really good. They took the time to cultivate me and were always patient with me. I made mistakes on the court and improved. It was the best way to learn and be a better player, a better person because I think I have grown up in both personal and skill. I am really, really thankful, and they will always stay in my heart."

Fans are excited after watching your goal highlights and style of play, where does the element of "street football player" come from?

Ekitic: "I think it's from the street! I've been playing football outside in school and my friends, and I've watched a lot of games. My favorite players are the kind of players who like to keep the ball under their feet, use skills, and show themselves on the court. I think that's why I always like to control the ball and use skills when facing other players. That's how I play."

Slott is your new coach. How critical is your first conversation with him to make you realize that Liverpool is the right club?

Ekitic: "We had a very pleasant first discussion. Obviously, the coach is very human, we can talk not only about football, but about anything. I think he is very interesting, and I am very looking forward to knowing what I can do with him because I think he is a very good person and I can still improve and improve with him. So, yes, he is a very good coach first and a good person, which is why he makes me want to come here."

He has a record of making great players better. Is this attractive to you too?

Ekitic: "Yes, of course, of course. When you see a coach who can develop and improve the level of a player, you know you want to improve with him because you know he can take you to the next level. And if you want to achieve higher things, I think that's the right choice."

You are a versatile striker. Do you feel equally comfortable playing football anywhere on the front line?

Ekitic: "I mean, I'll do what the coach asks me to do, but I do like to do anything. I can’t just define myself as a striker who likes to end: I like to participate in games, I like to integrate into games, integrate into collective cooperation and participate in creation. So, I can do both, I can play single forward, I also like to partner with another forward, and I think that's what makes me multifaceted, but you know in modern football, you need to adapt. ”

Do you remember watching Liverpool games on TV when you were a child? Does joining now remind you of those memories?

Ekitic: "To be honest, I couldn't see it at that time because I had to pay and I didn't have the money to pay to watch it. But I have watched football games and YouTube highlights since I was a child, dreaming of playing football in the Premier League. So it is really meaningful to realize your dreams now, and I am very grateful. ”

Recently you posted a photo on social media, wearing a 1990s Liverpool away jersey with Gerald’s name printed behind it. What’s the story behind this?

Ekitic: “The story was taken when I was in training before going on vacation. I love retro jerseys, and my brother went to the store to buy this one. Later on, you know the story development: I am here now! He is probably Liverpool's number one legendary star, right? So pay tribute to him, this jersey is really great. ”

When Van Dijk renewed his contract a few months ago, he said, "It is destined to be Liverpool." Does this sentence resonate with you, making you feel that this is the best club for you?

Ekitic: "Yes, this is the right choice for me. The way the club operates, the humanistic atmosphere I learned about here, the fans, the stadium, the model of cultivating players, and the identity of the Premier League champion. This is the best team in England and one of the top teams in the world. Yes, it's Liverpool. Since I talked to the coach, I have been sure. ”

Have you ever imagined what kind of sounds would burst out when Anfield scored its first goal?

Ekitic: "Of course, Anfield is too crazy! I can't wait to play there. To be honest, I haven't imagined the goal scene specifically, and I may not think about it when we actually go there to play. But that atmosphere must be shocking. I have watched it on TV. The crazy stadium and crazy fans will definitely be extremely wonderful. ”

What do you want to say to Liverpool fans who are watching or reading this interview?

Ekitic: "Hi fans! I am Hugo Ekitic, your new Liverpool guy! I can’t wait to win, score goals, and achieve success for you, and I can’t wait to share happy time on the stadium. I look forward to seeing everyone! ”

Finally noticed that you always smiled throughout the interview. It must be very happy to come here as a Liverpool player?

Ekitic: "Yes, very happy. This all happened so quickly that you need to realize that you are really here and meet new partners, which is exactly how I feel right now. Although adapting takes time, it has always been my dream to join Liverpool and enter the Premier League in this way, so I feel extremely happy and proud of myself. ”