Hugo Ekitike has opened up about the ruptured Achilles that ended his Liverpool season and dashed his hopes of representing France at the World Cup. The striker, who finished his debut campaign at Anfield as top scorer with 17 goals, suffered the injury during a Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on April 14.
The setback also ruled him out of Didier Deschamps’ squad for the World Cup, where France have reached the semi-finals and face Spain on Tuesday. Speaking to British GQ during a visit to Wimbledon, Ekitike was philosophical about his misfortune.
“I wish I was there, but that's life,” he said. “I am where I am, and sometimes everybody has to deal with stuff. That's my challenge and I accepted it.” He added that he remains in touch with his France teammates and hopes they can bring the trophy home.
Ekitike attended Centre Court on Friday to watch Jannik Sinner defeat Novak Djokovic. The 22-year-old, an admirer of tennis, noted the individual pressure the sport demands. Earlier this week he returned to Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre for an assessment of his rehabilitation, three months on from the injury.
