In an exclusive interview with C.T. , the Cameroon international striker talks of his performance with Tokyo Verdy, his determination to defend the national colours…
Your fans are missing you in the National Team. What message do you have for them?
The message is short: I’ll be back! I will let them know when I’ll decide to retire. I am in good health, they can count on me.
After turning down the invitation for the Confederations Cup, what in your opinion accounts for your not being selected in preparations for CAN 2004 that began early this month in Germany?
I think I explained my situation and everybody understood it. There is no reason I won’t play next CAN considering the coach can rely on me and my wish is to defend our flag.
How is your relation with the Cameroon Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Cameroon Football Federation and the coach of the National team?
I haven’t talked to any of them since June. We just have mutual respect that is normal.
Some people say you have not been called to join the National team because you are in a less competitive championship in Asia?
I was successful in Japan in 1997 and while there I became a regular with the Lions. Other players who are in less competitive championships were called up. What do you think of my experience ?
How did you find yourself in Japan?
Life here is enjoyable. I am famous, held in high esteem, respected and I think a good ambassador of our football. My family feels good too. That is why I was attracted to this country.
We hear the Japanese adore you. Did you decide to play in Japan to satisfy your fans or because of money?
I am lucky! I already earned enough money. If it were for money only, I would never have left Japan. In addition, I had a better financial proposal when joining Tokyo Verdy. I just refused a very lucrative one… I like money but it’s not all indeed.
How would you rate your performance with the Tokyo Verdy? Are you satisfied with your performance in Japan now? What justifications?
Everybody seems to be happy with my contribution. Unfortunately, I recently had some injuries. Nevertheless, I brought the experience my team mates needed. I played 15 games(15/21) scoring 9 goals. We are vg for the 1st position in the 2nd stage. Nine games to the end… We are on the right track.
What memories do you have of your European clubs?
Two Coupe de la Ligue (PSG and METZ), one Coupe de France (PSG), one final in Coppa d’Italia (PARMA). This is better than nothing.
Your stay in Libya was short-lived. Why?
My decision to go in Libya was my worst choice ever! No more comment.
How do you face the disappointment that the National Team left behind in Japan last year?
I still can not accept what happened in last World Cup. You can imagine the disappointment for somebody who think he was able to win the trophy!
Cameroon will be playing against Japan in Ohita on November 14 and you will not be part of the squad. Any regrets?
How can you be sure I won’t play the game? I consider myself as an Indomitable Lion and the other players have expressed their wish to see me back in the squad. If the coach wants to call me…
After watching Cameroon’s performance in the Confederations Cup last June, did you regret being absent from the squad?
I wasn’t ready in my mind to play the tournament. It was the best decision.
What memories do you have of Marc Vivien Foe?
Marco was a strong guy and was really kind towards others at the same time. A strong man, an example for others to emulate.
There will be a friendly match in November in France in memory of Marc Vivien Foe and to raise money for his family. Will you participate?
I hope I can do this in his memory and for his family as well.
The National Team has already started preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations. Can you assess their chance of grabbing the trophy this time?
The trophy can be (should be) ours for a 3rd time in-a-row. A good preparation is necessary.
If you are called to join the Indomitable Lions today, will you accept?
I wish I can play for Cameroon. Of course I’ll accept.
Do you think the poor conditions which you deplored have changed?
The changes can be effective with time. I know we need time to cancel our mistakes, I am not asking for a miracle.
After professional football, what do you intend to do in life?
I will become an agent hoping I will find better deals especially for African players. If you know the story of « ETO’ODINHO », be sure I want to fight against that. We need more consideration.
Can you share this story with us?
Eto’o complained it is difficult for African players to sign good deals. I personally agree with him because I experienced the same treatment. The clubs have some difficulty to trust our potential. The result: no big-names, clubs or no good financial deals…If we have to compare ourselves with the Brazilians, it is a total opposite. Brazilians seem to obtained good agreements just because of their passport. The same quality player earns more money and can sign in the best clubs in Europe, that is the main difference. If Eto’o were Brazilian, he will already have earned more money and easily signed in a highest level club.
Any last wo
With or without Patrick Mboma, Cameroon is a strong side. The only thing you have to look for is the well being of the players you support so that they can achieve what you can normally expect from them.
Irene MORIKANG
