Not everyone is made to shine or even play for PSG. Hugo Ekitike learned this the hard way. Recruited in 2022 at the time of his meteoric progress in Reims, the young international hopeful then aged 20 arrived in a locker room populated with stars and failed to do well on the field. Enough to block him in a negative sporting spiral on and off the field. He tells.
Hugo Ekitike (22 years old) very quickly became a promise in French football thanks to his performances in Reims stadium during the 2021/2022 season. Which earned him a one-season loan with a compulsory purchase option of €35 million at PSG to complete his post-training. In the end it didn’t happen. Barred by monster competition in Paris, including Kylian Mbappé, Neymar et Lionel Messi, Riding played less and less.
“Not everyone has experienced this and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone”
And this until being pushed to leave during the summer transfer window of 2023, a year after his arrival in the capital. For TNT Sport, the one who completely relaunched himselfEintracht Francfort since his arrival last January, has returned to this more than delicate period in sporting terms at PSG, but not only that.
“When I left Reims, I went up at one speed… But I also came down at the same speed. Everything moves quickly in football. You’re there (hand all the way up) then you’re there (hand all the way down) very quickly. What I’m trying to show today is that I’m constantly progressing, that it’s linear and that I continue to climb. I was young, I rose quickly even though I had things to learn, to store, but it happened like that. Not everyone has experienced this and I don’t wish anyone to experience it, it’s not easy.”
“A burnout? No, a lot happened.”
In the media, when it was at its lowest, it was specified thatHugo Ekitike was in a depressive phase or even burn-out due to his sporting situation. In comments relayed by Eurosportthe striker with 11 goals in 20 matches withEintracht Francfort this season has made things clear.
“Burnout? No, a lot happened. Afterwards, I see things very wisely. I tell myself that everything happens for a good reason. I think I got what I needed to get from my time in Paris. And it will serve me today, tomorrow and wherever I am.”
