For Cameroon’s opponents at the World Cup, Patrick Mboma’s move to Sunderland is something to be regretted.
Joining the Premiership club ends a frustrating two year spell at Serie A side Parma, where the striker failed to get a regular first team place.
But now he is playing regularly again and is full of confidence.
« When I started the season I wanted to move because I wasn’t playing so much.
« I had the chance to come to Sunderland – I took it and I have no regrets. »
Mboma’s signing in February brought him to England for the first time.
Baby son
And though only a loan until the end of the season, Sunderland are likely to pay the £4m to make the move permanent.
The striker has played in France, Japan and Italy, and won the African Footballer of the Year Award in 2001.
Despite his international success with Cameroon – he won an Olympic gold in 2000 and has two Nations Cup winners medals – his club career has failed to reach such heights.
The move to Sunderland has not been without its difficulties.
He has left his family, including a two-month old son, behind.
He says the reception he has had in England has made things easy.
« I’m far from my family, but being appreciated by the public helps you », he said.
« With that communication between me and the crowd, it helps me play better. »
And his new team-mates have been very welcoming.
No-hope Saudi
Jason McAteer called his arrival « a breath of fresh air ».
With his club career looking up, Mboma is much more relaxed about the World Cup.
« I not spending too much time thinking about it », he said.
And even the prospect of playing Germany fails to rouse him.
« I’m not focussed on that, because we have to play Ireland and Saudi Arabia first.
« If we get six points, playing Germany won’t be so important.
We have a 33% chance to qualify. Saudi Arabia won’t do it. That’s no disrespect to them, but the others are stronger. »
« What Roger Milla did in 1990 was special, but people say we are the best generation.
« Our dream is to reach the semi-finals ».
