Hornets midfielder Peter Etebo answered questions from Inside The Hive host Michael Kurn, Watford legend Tommy Mooney and supporters on Thursday night’s edition of our weekly show, as he continues his rehabilitation from injury.
Etebo has made six appearances in the Premier League since arriving on loan from Stoke City in the summer, impressing from the base of midfield. He is currently on the road to recovery from a quadricep injury.
You can watch the Nigeria international’s appearance on Inside the Hive above.
Etebo on…
His injury rehabilitation:
“Everything is going fine, the club are really helping and the rehab is going fine, this week marks three months. I’m looking forward to getting back fit and strong.
“Depending on the medical staff, in four weeks I’m going to be back training with the squad, but that’s not full training. My major concern is to make sure I’m better and stronger, and fitter to go again, that’s my priority for now.
“It’s not been easy but I need to stay positive, the worst part is the last phase. Right now I just want to be on the pitch, involved in every training session, but to be honest I’m not that fit, I just need to make sure I listen to the medical staff. Imagine coming in every day doing the same thing, the same sessions!
“The most important thing is to be positive, every session and programme, I need to do them right and follow the procedures. Everyone has been amazing, the lads, the gaffer gave me words of encouragement so I’m looking forward to joining my teammates on the pitch. I’m not in a hurry, I want to make sure when I’m back, I’m back with full strength and full power, and everything is good to go.
“This one was quite shocking for me because in my football career this is the longest-term injury I’ve had. But that’s football, there’s nothing you can do.”
Settling in at his new club:
“It’s amazing. I’ve got my family, a few friends coming round, teammates, especially [Emmanuel] Dennis coming round, my family are here, my son, daughter, wife and my brother, they’re all here so it’s not like I’m alone. I’m settling well, I don’t find it difficult to adapt, for me I’m okay with it.”
On English football:
“In England if you want to see athletes, that’s what you get. Every league is difficult but we all know the Premier League is one of the best in the world. In the Premier League, the Championship, even if you’re 3-0 up you can’t be settled or relaxed, anything can happen in any second. Only in England have I seen that.”
Etebo’s friends in the squad:
“I must say it’s Jeremy Ngakia, I had never met him before coming to Watford but he’s been the one that’s close to me, we have lots of conversations together, and my Nigerian brothers Dennis and [William Troost-]Ekong, but I’ve known them for a long time.”
Toughest opponent in training:
“It’s Moussa Sissoko. He’s a strong lad, and he defends and attacks very well.”
Cooking:
“For me I would say salmon is my best, I’m really good at that. Some nice pasta on the side.”
Best teammate ever:
“I would say Alberto Aquilani, at Las Palmas. He used to play for Liverpool, Fiorentina and is a good lad as well. When I was at Las Palmas he tried to put me on the right track and invited me to places because I was alone. He had quality, a top player.”
AFCON predictions:
“That’s difficult! It’s going to be really interesting. I’m going to go for my country, Nigeria. I believe it’s going to be difficult though.”
On Emmanuel Dennis:
“He’s so good, he’s got everything. Good pace, dribbling, he can take on defenders. He’s a fantastic player. One thing he said to me before every game is that he is very nervous. That will tell you he has the team on his mind.”
Cucho Hernández:
“I played against him in Spain, he was playing for Mallorca when I was at Getafe. He’s really good, not scared, and strong on the ball. A good guy with a good personality, he’s been great in the dressing room.”
His best ever goal:
“Against Senegal Under-23s. I dribbled from the halfway line to one-on-one against the goalkeeper, that was the best goal I’ve ever scored.”
His future, and staying past his loan spell:
“To be honest I would love to. Everyone has been amazing, the staff, the players, I’ve loved it since day one.”
