Samuel Eto’o believes that Anzhi Makhachkala are following the path laid down by English side Chelsea to become a recognised name in the football world.

 

Chelsea were firmly outside Europe’s elite when Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003, but the Russian’s millions soon put the Stamford Bridge club on the map.

 

And Eto’o can see a similar phenomenon unfolding at Anzhi, where billionaire Suleyman Kerimov is determined to transform the Dagestan outfit into one of the world’s biggest clubs, as backed up by big money moves for the Cameroonian, Roberto Carlos, Yuri Zhirkov, Mbark Boussoufa and Balazs Dzsudzsak.

 

Anzhi continue to be linked with some of the finest players in the game, further evidence of the Chelsea effect for Eto’o.

 

Challenged that the Anzhi dream was perhaps unrealistic, Eto’o shot back: "No, eventually we will turn into a team which is really involved in the football world. I’m convinced about it.

 

"In order to maintain the highest level for over 12 years we must have more than just strong legs. My managers have understood it. And we’re working at a speed of 3,000 kilometres per hour to move forward quickly.

 

"And it is already bearing fruit.

 

"Several years ago, when a good player was in a difficult situation at his club, he was always linked with Chelsea.

 

"Today, they are all linked with Anzhi. This is confirmation that we’re winning our battle to be a much more noticeable club."

 

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