Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o is currently the hottest striker in the Spanish first division, having scored seven goals in his last five league outings for his club, Real Mallorca. His streak has increased the likelihood that he could be part of a big-money move during the summer.
Scouts from English Premiership side Liverpool watched Eto’o score another goal on Sunday, although it was not enough to stop his side going down 3-1 to championship challengers Real Sociedad.
And the Spanish giants Barcelona and Valencia are constantly rumoured to be about to write a cheque that Mallorca would find too good to refuse.
« I like it here in Mallorca, I have always been well looked after. » Samuel Eto’o.
The 22 year-old forward is cautious of the possibility of a move having been uprooted so often in the early years of his career.
« I like it here in Mallorca, I have always been well looked after, the fans appreciate me and I also have a contract that runs until 2007.
« You never know what is going to happen in football but moving is not part of my plans at the moment. »
Eto’o is a hero to the Mallorca supporters.
His replica shirt is the biggest selling item in the Mallorca club souvenir shop, and he will make sure that many fans will not be going hungry prior to the Spanish Cup final on 28 June against Recreativo Huelva.
« My initial idea was to look after the supporters by paying for their trip to the game, but public transport here is very good, so instead I am donating 30,000 euros so that everyone can eat. I am inviting everyone to a grand paella. »
Eto’o Fils is enjoying a good season
One man not on the guest list though will be the local television journalist Bartolome Terrassa, who lodged a formal complaint with the police that Eto’o threatened him last Thursday.
« He said ‘the next time you are not going to escape, I’m going to kill you’, after we had crossed paths in the Mallorca stadium car park, » said Terrassa, who has had an acrimonious relationship with the player over several years.
It is not the first time the volatile Eto’o has been involved in incidents off-the-pitch, which may yet deter some clubs from following up their interest in him.
A year ago, Eto’o’s former agent Daniel Argibeaut accused the player of head butting him and then attacking him with four other accomplices.
« They then took off my shoes, which in Cameroon means I am threatened with death, » an unshod Argibeaut told Spanish reporters at the time.
By Phil Minshull
BBC Sport, Madrid
