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Liverpool forward Rio Ngumoha has spoken about the family support behind his rapid rise, his footballing idol Neymar, and what it meant to break two historic club records in his debut season.
Ngumoha became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool's history when he netted a late winner on his Premier League debut — a 3-2 victory at Newcastle United last August. He added a second landmark in April, becoming the youngest player to score at Anfield in a 2-0 win over Fulham.
"I'm always smiling when I talk about my family," the forward said. "My mum, I love her so much. She's always taking me to training, cooking and always helping my friends and my brother."
Ngumoha reserved particular praise for his brother, who doubled as his agent and closest supporter. "He dropped out of school to help me. He actually quit a job as well — he was working at a clothing store. He was just training me every day in the summer since I was about six. He installed a mentality of never give up and just believe that you'll be one of the best."
On his footballing inspiration, Ngumoha named Neymar. "He just plays the pitch freely and that's what I try to implement into my game — excite people, score some goals, assist and help the team. Don't play like there's pressure."
Recalling his debut goal at St. James' Park, he described the moment in detail. "The ball comes from Mo [Salah] and then Dom [Szoboszlai] puts it through his legs and I'm just there and I shoot. As soon as I shot… I knew it was in."
His first Anfield goal against Fulham also left a mark. "I just did my skills and shifted it and I shot, and as soon as it went in I just heard the loudest roar," he said. "My girlfriend was like, 'You might as well do a little celebration!' And that's when I did the scuba!"
The comments were made during Liverpool's pre-season trip to Chicago and form part of a profile feature produced by the club's All Red Video platform.