See Samuel Eto’o tell the story behind his incredible move to Barcelona

 

The Cameroon legend retired days ago and has continued to reflect on a career that has seen him lay claim to being the greatest Africa footballer ever.

The latest sees the former Real Madrid striker reveal the story behind his move from Mallorca to Barcelona.

The tale involves a meeting with former Mallorca boss Luis Aragones, former president Mateu Alemany and former Barcelona footballing director Txiki Begiristain.

“The ones that changed my life were Alemany and Luis Aragones,” Eto’o told Catalunya SER as monitored by Soccernet.ng

“That meeting in Luis’ office… He said to me: ‘Do you want to be a good player or a great player? I think that your time at Mallorca has come to an end and now you must go to fight with those that are at your level.’

“I looked at him and said, ‘What is this grandad saying?’ and he got out his phone, called Txiki and told him: ‘Do you want to win in the next few years? Well there’s a player that you have to sign because he’ll make you win.’

“When he heard my name there was like a pause and Txiki was asking, ‘But is this guy smoking something?’

“But Jan didn’t stop passing on the grandad’s advice, he knew a lot, and I’m very happy.”

Many people – analysts and football stars – have named Eto’o as Barcelona’s greatest ever No.9 since he announced his retirement from football.

“It’s a great honour, seeing all the great names that have been at the club, like Ronaldo [Nazario], El Fenomeno, who, for me, is the best player of all time alongside [Lionel] Messi.”

Just like Messi did many years ago, another youngster is finding his feet in the current Barcelona team and making all the headlines out of it – Ansu Fati.

Eto’o couldn’t hide his admiration for the lad who is now the youngest goalscorer in Barcelona history.

“Not even God knows what is coming with Fati,” he said.

“He’s very good, he hasn’t got one but two good feet, this kid has lots of personality.

“I wish him the best and above all that he doesn’t get injuries that can harm his career.”