"I definitely love scoring goals!"

The summer transfer window is drawing to a close, and Hertha BSC have been busy actors on the market so far. The capital city club announced the transfer of Jurgen Ekkelenkamp on Friday, making him the club’s third new signing this week after Ishak Belfodil and Oliver Christensen and the seventh overall in 2021/22. The 21-year-old can hardly wait to get started at the ‘Old Lady.’ “Hertha are a great club with a very impressive history and they are part of the Bundesliga’s big clubs. I hope that I will be able to make my debut in blue-white in front of the fans at the Olympiastadion soon,” he said in an interview with herthabsc.de. The midfielder also spoke about how he got given his nickname, his excitement over moving to Berlin and what he does in his free time.

herthabsc.com: Welcome to Berlin, Jurgen! Let’s start with a quick anecdote: two years ago, after the Champions League quarterfinal against Juventus, the Ajax fans celebrated a professional foul you made on Cristiano Ronaldo. They even incorporated it into a song. How often do you have to hear about this moment, seeing as it also happened on your debut?

Ekkelenkamp: (laughs) I’ve heard a lot about that moment since then, especially after the game, whether it be on from fans stopping me on the street or my teammates in the dressing room. The fans really loved that and started calling me 'Ronaldo–Gooier,’ which translates to ‘the one that knocked over Ronaldo.’ That kind of became my nickname from that point on (grins). We also listened to Sevn Alias’ song back then as a team, which was funny. Overall, that was a really great day for me. The Champions League is a huge competition and so it was a really special experience.  

herthabsc.com: You are a product of the famous Ajax academy and have enjoyed an excellent technical development. How do you describe your style of play and what strengths do you think you have?

Ekkelenkamp: I’m a total team player. I like linking up with my teammates and create goalscoring opportunities for myself. I always want to be an option and be an important part of the team. I definitely love scoring goals. But, assists are pretty nice too (grins). The most important thing is that we win games as a team.

herthabsc.com: In your opinion, what’s the biggest difference between Dutch and German football?

Ekkelenkamp: German football requires you to play with more intensity and toughness, as there are a lot more tackles. It’s more fast-paced than in the Netherlands. Rafael van der Vaart was always a role model for me, as was Wesley Sneijder. They were both very talented players that I enjoyed watching in my academy days.

herthabsc.com: Let’s talk about your move to Berlin. It’s no secret that our club has had you in their sights for a while now. How happy are you that the move has finally gone through and why did you decide to join Hertha BSC?

Ekkelenkamp: I’m very happy that this move has finally happened, as it took a while to get here. But, now I’m just happy to be here. Hertha are a great club and the Bundesliga is a very interesting competition. Berlin is also a very nice city. I feel good and can feel the faith the management has in me, that I will be able to play a lot of games here and I’m very much looking forward to my time here.

herthabsc.com: You will have three fellow Dutchmen as teammates in Deyo Zeefuik, Jav Dilrosun and Daishawn Redan. Did you speak to any of them about Hertha and what did they tell you?

Ekkelenkamp: In general, I’ve always had a chance to speak to the boys when we were with the Netherlands youth sides. I didn’t speak to them about my move here over the last few days. Deyo, Jav and Daishawn are all great lads and I’m looking forward to playing together for the same club. I spoke to some of my friends about the city, as several of my friends had been to Berlin two weeks ago and they told me that it was a great city. I’m very excited and happy to be here.

herthabsc.com: You will wear the number 10 shirt. Does that number hold any special meaning for you?

Ekkelenkamp: Wearing the number 10 shirt is definitely always a special feeling and I’m very proud to be able to wear it in the future. I don’t have any particular attachment to that number. Hertha are a great club with a very impressive history and they are part of the Bundesliga’s big clubs. I hope that I will be able to make my debut in blue-white in front of the fans at the Olympiastadion soon. I’m very much looking forward to that.

herthabsc.com: Now for a more personal question: what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Ekkelenkamp: I enjoy spending a lot of time with my girlfriend who will also be moving to Berlin, as well as with my friends and family. I really enjoy spending time with them, and I’m someone who enjoys relaxing. I also play PlayStation sometimes or talk to my buddies on FaceTime.