From Didier Drogba to Valeria Marini, Jarno Trulli to Isabella Aragonese, Massimo Moratti to Adriano Galliani – who only met long enough to shake each other’s hands.
In total, around 350 footballers and other celebrities from sport and show business attended the charity evening organised by Samuel Eto’o’s foundation to raise funds for a paediatric wing at Laquinitie Hospital in Cameroon.
First the gala dinner, then Andrea Bocelli’s performance on stage, and afterwards a series of auctions, hosted by Paolo Bonolis, of collectors’ items: from Usain Bolt’s shoes to the shirt worn by Eto’o in last season’s Champions League final and the one worn by Marco Materazzi at the 2006 World Cup, to the ball signed by all the Inter players, who were in attendance at the event held in Milan this evening.
« My foundation is my life, » explained Eto’o. « My continent, Africa, is different. It hasn’t had the same fortune as others. Unlike other kids I’ve been fortunate enough to become a footballer. Football has given me everything and I feel I have to do something to help others. »
After two years in Italy, the Cameroonian has realised it is the gateway to Europe from Africa. « I understand how desperate these people who emigrate are, and I must say thank you to Italy because it has held out its hands to help, » he continued. « And I know it is difficult, with the current economic crisis, to accept others who are seeking a better future.
ANSA
