Anzhi’s star rookie Samuel Eto’o says he is pleased with his first game in Russian football, in which he helped his new team salvage a point away at Rostov.
The Cameroonian was introduced into the game in the second period and put the ball in the net to settle the final score at 1-1.
“We’ve conceded an unnecessary goal. But football consists of mistakes, in principle. And we’ll try to correct ours by the next game. I’m generally satisfied with the draw, with which we are coming back home,” Eto’o told Rossiya 2 channel.
The 30-year-old said that he also enjoyed the atmosphere at the packed Olimp-2 stadium in Rostov-on-Don.
“I want to express gratitude towards the audience, who supported me and displayed a great example of fair play. Those are the true fans. And I hope we’ll continue making the spectators happy, so they’ll greet us in the same manner in the future too,” he said.
The attacker once again stressed that he has big sporting plans during his stay with the club from Russia’s republic of Dagestan.
“I see how this project grows from A to Z. And I hope that my colleagues and I will be able to grow this project into something big,” the four-time African Player of the Year commented.
Eto’o has not been to Dagestan yet, but says that he really wants to go there.
“I’ve been told a lot about this region, but I want to see everything with my own eyes,” he said.
But the former Inter Milan star will not be spending too much time in Makhachkala. It is no secret that Anzhi players live in Moscow, train in the Moscow Region and travel home games via charter flights.
The Cameroonian was also asked to comment on the rumors that Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan is to become his replacement in the Italian club.
“I’m very happy for Forlan like I’d be happy for any player who joins Inter. This club is forever in my heart,” he said.
One of the best attackers in the modern game, Samuel Eto’o, swapped Inter Milan for Anzhi last week, signing a three-year-deal with the Russian club.
No official figures have been released, but according to media reports the transfer cost Anzhi around $39 million, with the player’s annual salary reaching the sum of $29 million.