Liverpool striker Hugo Ektike showed his true colours as he responded to a major announcement after receiving a red card for his “stupid” actions against Southampton
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has heaped praise on Rio Ngumoha following the 17-year-old’s signing of his first professional contract.
The ex-Chelsea academy starlet made an instant impact after his headline-grabbing switch, netting a crucial late winner against Newcastle United. Ngumoha found the back of the net at St James’ Park for Arne Slot’s side as a 16-year-old, just days shy of his birthday, ensuring the Premier League title holders maintained their perfect start to the campaign.
His strike contributed to the Reds’ dramatic late flourishes that have preserved their flawless record – something they’ll aim to maintain on Saturday when they face Crystal Palace. The 17-year-old looks set to retain his spot in the squad after an impressive beginning to his senior Liverpool journey, though Ekitike won’t get the chance to add to his three Premier League strikes this weekend.
That follows his brainless red card against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, after removing his shirt in celebration after scoring the winner while already on a yellow card for dissent and receiving a second booking, for which he has been punished with a one-match suspension.
The summer recruit was compelled to issue an apology to fans despite his match-winning contribution. Manager Arne Slot branded it “stupid” but today confirmed Ekitike has not been fined.
He said: “Disciplined means a fine, which he didn’t get. I spoke to him. He said sorry straight away to his team-mates, he is young and players of all ages make mistakes and you are allowed at this club to make a mistake without getting fined.”
Ekitike was amongst those rallying behind Ngumoha after the youngster put pen to paper on his first professional terms. The gifted teenager posted snaps on his Instagram story while working alongside the club’s official account to announce his contract extension.
Ekitike responded with: “Star boy,” while academy graduate Jayden Danns also expressed his delight on the post. Following his milestone goal, the forward stated his determination to seize the opportunity given to him by the Dutch manager.
“Normally, last season especially, the academy coaches and even the first-team coaches are always saying, ‘Make the back post, make the back post’,” Ngumoha shared.
“The fact that I made the back post is just crazy… when I saw it with Mo [Salah] and then Dom [Szoboszlai] putting it through his legs, I was like one-v-one and I just smashed it.
“The fans, I heard them screaming my name and that’s a sensational moment I would say.
“But you can’t get too carried away with all the noise, like I said, because at the end of the day I probably do that finish 100 times on the training ground so it’s no different with the fans [here]. But obviously the fans backing you there, it’s just crazy.
“I’m 16 but I don’t want my age to show that I can’t play with the older players. I want to prove a point that I can play with not just people my age but many ages above.
“But like I said, there are people at the club who are always helping me and I’m always learning and improving, so I can’t complain.”