"It wasn't the debut I wanted, but I'm already working to come back in the best possible shape," the 19-year-old said.
Ekhator completed a permanent transfer to Juventus from Genoa earlier this summer in a deal worth around €16million, signing a contract running until 2031 as the club's first major forward signing of the window.
Born in Genoa and a product of the club's academy since the age of eight, he made his Serie A debut for the Rossoblu in August 2024 and quickly established himself as one of the most precocious talents in Italian football, becoming the only player born in 2006 to make at least 50 Serie A appearances over the past two seasons.
His form also earned him a senior Italy call-up in June, when he provided the assist for the winning goal against Greece on his debut.
His start in Juventus colours, however, was disrupted almost immediately. Ekhator was forced off just 29 minutes into his first pre-season friendly, a goalless draw with Basel, after suffering a thigh problem that was later confirmed as a low-grade muscle strain expected to keep him out for around three weeks.
Asked what it meant to have joined Juventus, Ekhator described the move as a dream come true.
"A huge emotion, a personal source of pride, and for me - someone who dreamed of doing this job since I was a kid - joining Juventus is the best thing that could have happened to me."
On being told by head coach Luciano Spalletti that his eyes lit up when he arrived at the club, Ekhator did not disagree.
"It's true, playing for Juve isn't a small thing, I'm at a top club. You just have to hear the word 'Juventus' and obviously your eyes light up."
Asked how much responsibility comes with wearing the shirt, the teenager struck a measured tone: "I'm 19, I just think about growing, improving and helping the team."
On his reception from senior team-mates in the dressing room, he said he had settled in quickly.
"They're great players, they've helped me and they're helping me a lot. I feel really good here."
Asked whether he had expected Juventus to come calling, Ekhator credited his own preparation: "I trained to be ready when the moment came, then Juventus called and now I'm happy to be here."
He also spoke warmly of his relationship with Spalletti: "He's a great coach, he helps me a lot and gives me advice often. We've stayed behind to work together a few times, he's a great manager."