Eto'o: "I would sign Sergio Ramos for Barcelona"
In an interview with AS, Samuel Eto'o discussed World Cup preparations, Euro 2020, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and his desire to see free agent Sergio Ramos at Barcelona or PSG.
In his capacity as ambassador for Qatar 2022, Samuel Eto’o has given an interview to AS, in which he discussed Qatar’s preparations for the World Cup and gave his thoughts on Euro 2020 and the possible movements of Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos. The former Barcelona star also spoke about Generation Amazing, a solidarity program created as part of Qatar's World Cup bid, which aims to support sustainable development around the world through the power of football.
What is Generation Amazing?
We are a large family of 725,000 people here. Our goal is to reach a million by the World Cup -- to make an impact on that many people. We speak the language of football, which goes beyond politics. We have built football pitches all over the world. We believe in this project and we want children around the world to be able to play football.
Football is an integrating element...
Football is incredible. Give the opportunity to everyone, regardless of where they are from. The only thing we want here is to make everyone happy through playing football.
How are preparations for the World Cup going in Qatar?
If FIFA allowed us, we could host the World Cup next month (laughs), we’re ready to go. We are very very far ahead. I’m happy because I have found people who think like me and look in the direction as me. Our infrastructure is 95% complete.
Do you see yourself as a coach?
I am happy and that is the most important thing. I can share great moments with great people. I have been living in Doha for over four years, where I have met some great people. This city gives me great opportunities. I get up, I go to work, in the afternoon I can get on a boat, enjoy the beach, the food ... These are things that can only be experienced here.
How’s Euro 2020 looking for you?
I saw Spain as a favorite and I still do. I love their idea of football. But we have to win. It is difficult but I believe in these guys and in Luis Enrique.
Do you think Kylian Mbappé is going to go to Madrid?
I don’t know if he is going to go to Madrid, but I am a PSG fan, and that tells you everything about my feelings on the subject.
Eto'o: "Messi is God"
What about Sergio Ramos, who is without a club, could he end up at PSG?
Hopefully Sergio goes to PSG. If I could sign him for Barça, I would. If he goes to PSG, I will be happy and I know that he will help us win the Champions League, which is proving very difficult for us.
What do you think Messi will do?
I know that Messi loves Barcelona, that he has no problems and that it is not a question of money. The only thing is the project, which has to be reliable and I know that Joan [Laporta, the new president] is working on that. He has to enjoy the time he has left, football owes it to him, not just Barça. He has given us everything, he has to enjoy it and win titles. Messi is God and when you have a God you just have to admire him.
What was your opinion on the Super League?
It's already resolved and that's why I don't want to get into that.
Mourinho is going to Roma and Guardiola is getting close to winning the Champions League with Manchester City. How do you see them both?
It hurt me -- I'm not going to lie -- to see the one who gave me the chance to win titles in Italy to go to another [Italian] club. But I know that he’s happy and our friendship is above everything. I would have liked to see Mourinho at Inter again. But I will always wish him luck at Roma. But he has to understand that no matter how much I love him, for me Inter will always come before.
Pep is defining an era in football, with his way of seeing the game that we all love. Winning titles or not also depends on the luck factor. What I like is that he imposes his ideas. If I coach one day, that is what I would like to do: impose my ideas and the others will have to adapt.
Would you maintain that there is nobody like Luis Aragonés?
What Pep is doing today, Luis did with us 23 years ago at Mallorca, it was incredible.