Samuel Eto’o admits he would welcome a move to Chelsea.
The Cameroon international has long been considered as one of the most prolific marksmen in Europe, having found the back of the net on a regular basis whilst in the colours of Mallorca, Barcelona, Internazionale and, currently, Anzhi Makhachkala. Eto’o is averaging a goal every other game for the Russian side, but they could be willing to listen to offers for his signature after falling on difficult times financially.
Suleyman Kerimov, their billionaire backer, is no longer prepared to bankroll ‘The Anzhi Project’, and he plans to significantly reduce their annual budget from £116million to as low as £32million. Former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen lost his job as head coach after just 16 days, and there are suggestions a number of their top names, including Willian and Eto’o, could soon follow.
The latter has been linked with a move to Napoli, now coached by Rafael Benitez, but he has indicated a desire to move to England for a reunion with Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese was in charge of Inter when the striker helped them win the treble in 2010, and he has now been invited to reignite their partnership at Stamford Bridge.
“There is only one Jose Mourinho. I have played under a lot of great coaches – but there is no other character in the game like Jose,” Eto’o is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror. “He is one of the best coaches in the world – and we had a lot of success together at Inter Milan. I would like to have the chance to play under him again – because it is never boring when Jose is around. Of course Chelsea are a great team – and when we have all the offers on the table then I will discuss with my agent and see what my next step is.”
Whilst the Blues are in the market for a new striker, Mourinho has previously stated that his only target is Wayne Rooney. But with Manchester United refusing to sell the England international, particularly to a title rival, the Londoners may have to look elsewhere. Eto’o, 32, is now in the final year of his contract at Anzhi, who would likely look to recoup much of the £18.4million they paid Inter for his signature almost two years ago.
