About a week and a half ago I wrote an article about the possible destinations for Samuel Eto’o as he looked set to leave Barcelona. But there’s been a major change of intentions for the Spanish giants and they now appear eager to hold on to their Cameroonian striker.
Barcelona’s new coach, Pep Guardiola, had previously said Eto’o was not a part of his plans shortly after taking over from Frank Rijkaard at the helm of the Catalan club, but Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently admitted the club had changed their stance over their top goalscorer. Laporta asserted Eto’o’s positive attitude as the reason the club were looking to keep hold of the former African Footballer of the Year.
“Eto’o is showing total commitment and that part of his character is something we all like to see,” Laporta said.
“He has had a very positive attitude during the pre-season. At one time we did think the most convenient thing was to change things in order to renew the team, especially in terms of the most important players, but I understand that nothing in this world is set in stone.
“I don't think the issue with Samuel is irreversible or definitive and we need to look at things carefully. His recovery both in mental and physical terms will influence the club's final decision.”
If only all footballers could have an attitude like Samuel Eto’o. Put yourself in his shoes for just one second. Your club, the club where you’ve spent the last four years of your career at and scored 100 goals for, tells you that you are no longer a part of their plans.
What’s your reaction? You’ve just come back from an injury that has kept you out for a large portion of the season and you still managed to score 16 goals and finish as your team’s top goalscorer.
Are you going to be happy? Probably not. Will there be some bitter feelings towards your club? Possibly.
But no, not Samuel Eto’o. After being told he wasn’t needed at Barcelona anymore, Eto’o did what was natural for any player in his position and began looking for a new club. After a month or so and still unable to find a new employer, Eto’o returned to Barcelona to join up with his teammates for pre-season.
This is the good part. Most players in Eto’o’s position would most certainly show up to pre-season with a lack of motivation and put forth a minimal amount of effort. After all, it’s highly unlikely the player won’t be there at the beginning of the season. He just needs more time to find a new club.
16 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
illya mclellan 11 months ago
Great article i admire Eto'o and have done for awhile. however i disagree with this part,
'Ronaldo should’ve been looking forward to coming back to Manchester, his home for the past five years'.
he should do what he wants to do. as should anyone.
why does everyone express a desire to make his decisions for him. there is no 'way' that someone should think.
Eto'o is a great footballer, he has always seemed to have a great attitude toward the game and for club and country as well. it is great to hear that he has got himself back in the picture at the nou camp, i was shocked to hear he was on the way out.
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Zahi Sahli 11 months ago
i always say that loyalty and good attitude make legends, not only skills. eto'o should stay because barca need him, he has scored 16 goals last season in what was seen as a mediocre season for him and his team. so he is a great player and barca would gain a lot from keeping him.
good article.
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XXX XXX 11 months ago
I am his biggest fan but I will not be bowing to the Church of Samuel Eto’o just yet, enjoyed the read however the jury is still out as to how all this plays.
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Shyam Parthasarathi 11 months ago
Nice article.. good to see someone buck the trend, although Eto'o is no saint himself, it seems like his self respect took a beating.. hence the efforts in training.. I am not sure about him at Barca still, but it looks as if they won't be able to bring anyone in as they're hitting dead ends with a lot of potential deals.
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Jeff Harbert 11 months ago
I always held the belief that Eto'o should stay with Barca. Do you think he's past his prime though? I don't. He just suffered from injury last season that's all.
He was criticized a lot at one point after refusing to come on a as a substitute late in a game. He said it was because he didn't have enough time to warm up though. But he still took a beating for that in the media and it's good to see that he's redeeming himself for that.
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XXX XXX 11 months ago
He has something no other player in the world has and if he remains true to his efforts so far this pre-season I think we will benefit as if we have a new signing.
For me there are not many great strikers around and Eto'o is top 3.
If he sustains a long period in the first team at Barca (that is if he is not sold pray to the gods) he will get 25+ goals this season.
I think he is adjusting to being under a new ruler, Pep will not stand for much, he did not as a player and will not as a manager he commands respect much like Roy Keane. I think we are already seeing the benefits of his new regime. I watched pre-season training last week and the cardio work these guys are doing is nothing like they have done over the last 4 years, I feel we will have a dogged fight mentality to balance of the sheer skill and grace of Bojan and Messi.
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Wesley Marshall 11 months ago
I, like Alby, am not sold on Eto's new found 'nice guy' persona. I think it has more to do with the fact he is not in high demand after a couple of injury plauged seasons. His attitude has been an issue in the past but that being said I think it is smart for Barca to hold on to him for at least one more season, while Bojan and other youngster make the transition to a starting role. He is a world class striker when he is on form, and after not finding alot of interest in the off season he will be hungry to show he is the same Eto.
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John Ingram 11 months ago
I think Eto'o has a lot to prove this year his ego must be kept in check.
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Jeff Harbert 11 months ago
I agree that he is one of the best strikers in the world. And I believe he's best off at Barcelona too. But do you think he will be able to repay his club's faith in him?
I hope so.
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Rafal Ladysz 11 months ago
Nice article, even though i was looking forward to see Eto'o go to Lyon. Him and Benzema as the strikers wouldv'e been unreal.
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Jeff Harbert 11 months ago
Yeah and didn't Ben Arfa leave Lyon? Can't remember. But personally I'm glad he's at Barcelona still. He has something to prove.
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Keith Griffin 11 months ago
yeah he did mate....to Marseille
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Ismail Ayub 11 months ago
Btw Henry was Barca's top scorer last season with 19 goals, but Eto'o's goal to game ratio was the highest... 16 goals in 18 starts.
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Jeff Harbert 11 months ago
Sorry I meant goals in the leauge. Otherwise Eto'o is the top goalscorer for Barcelona. At least I think so and let me know if I'm wrong about that.
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niba amanwi 10 months ago
u re a genius not because u have discovered or done something supernatural but because ur arguement and your way of displaying your facts are so convincing.i wish all could see things the way u do.congrats to u &etoo more .
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Jeff Harbert 10 months ago
Thank you so much for the comment niba. Means a lot to me!
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