Samuel Eto'O, the new barca player

[Leon of Silvren]

Kind of old news, but I don't see it anywhere, so....

You guys are very lucky to have such great player -thanks in big part of Real's kindness- Real never trusted him and is good for him to play on a 'big' team, where he can show his true potential. Wish all the best for him, but we'll gonna be champions this season, so Eto'O will have to wait until winning his first Liga. :D

[Leon of Silvren]

'Eto'o finally pulls on Barca shirt', 12/8/04

www.fcbarcelona.com

Samuel Eto'o finally pulled on a Barca shirt this evening as he was officially presented at the Camp Nou after signing for 4 seasons for 24 million Euros with a 150 million Euro buy out clause.



Txiki Begiristain claimed that the signing: "would mean the team gains in competition for places up front", whilst Eto'o himself thanked God for bringing him to the club of his dreams.

President Joan Laporta stressed: "there's been a cordial atmosphere throughout the negotiations" , between Barca, Mallorca and Real Madrid and thanked board member Xavier Faus for his efforts in reviving the talks when they seemed to have broken down.

Proud of negotiations

Joan Laporta explained: "the way the negotiations have gone is a cause for pride for the club. There've been a number of stages in the deal and I know that the signing's really excited the fans, which is good news".

Explaining the transfer fee, the President went on: "we were not prepared to pay any more and I would agree with Samuel that we can all be happy with the deal. I too would like to thank Mallorca President Mateo Alemany for the good faith he's shown throughout".

Strikers places filled

For his part, Txiki Begiristain told reporters that Eto'o's signing meant an end to the club's summer spending and that there'd be plenty of competition for places up front next season: "we've now got three strikers and that'll increase the competition. We got what we wanted and we should be grateful for the board for all the efforts they've put in".

As his turn to address the press came round, a clearly thrilled Samuel Eto'o said: "I'd like to thank God -I think I'm here because He wanted it to happen. I also want to thank the President and the board for all there efforts to get me here, as well as a man who I've maybe had a few fights with these last few months, but who's made me the player I am today - Mateo Alemany."

Remembering Foe

Eto'o also had a moment to remember his fellow Cameroon international Marc-Vivien Foe, who tragically died a year ago: "I want to tell him, wherever he is, that I often think of him and I want to thank you teaching me what life is about".

On a lighter note, the new signing assured the fans: "I can't promise 50 goals a season, but I can tell you I'll work hard". Finally Eto'o insisted: "I wouldn't have gone to Real Madrid even if they'd paid me 1000 million".

[wingwizard]

Barcelona are really looking strong this season... think they are better than Madrid now... :)

[david17]

far another great signing by barca, they'll defiently beat real easily in the upcomming season. also where did barca get all the cash from ? i didn't see them sell any players

[realmadridy]

I Would 've Wished Him Sucess This Season With Barca,but Its Our Turn Thir Season To Lift League Cup And Champs League Truely He 'ii 've To Wait.up Real Madrid.

[Leon of Silvren]

far another great signing by barca, they'll defiently beat real easily in the upcomming season. also where did barca get all the cash from ? i didn't see them sell any players
Don't think so...Madrid is much stronger, and the money is taken from the associates, maybe with the new president and the last season's final performance they got more generous making investments.

[Lance Knight]

also a couple of people retired so they had to replace them

[PET É REI]

if Barca buy a great central defender,they'll be better than Madrid , Owen is an excellent striker, but Madrid always spend so much money buying players for positions that have great options , like this example. They have Ronaldo , Raul and Morientes , why Owen ???? Why not a strong defensive mid or a central def to combine whit Samuel ??? In my opinion , it would be better

[ULTRAS HAPOEL]

If samuel will realize his potential in his period in barcelona , he can to became the most african goalscorer for a very long time .

HE has the power, the kicking , the technique and the experience .

There's nothing of reason that he will not be the top goalscorer at barcelona and in the league /

[Leon of Silvren]

Maybe his ego...