Samuel Eto’o has revealed that it was the adventure offered by a move to Russia with Anzhi Makhachkala, similarly to when he played for Real Mallorca, that convinced him to leave Inter in the summer.

 

The Cameroon striker’s transfer to Anzhi from the 2010 Champions League winners was the biggest surprise of the summer transfer window, but Eto’o is content with life at the Dagestan club.

 

Indeed, he is also fully involved in attempts to transform Anzhi into one of the biggest clubs in Europe, with his advice over players and a new coach being sought on an almost daily basis.

 

"I decided at that moment when I saw that here I would have the opportunity to make this crazy dream of playing in the Champions League and possibly even winning it", said Eto’o over what tipped the scales for his decision to move to Russia.

 

"The proposal was received and at that moment I had to think about my future.

 

"In 30 years, winning everything that it is possible to win, except the World Cup, I asked myself what more I can strive for.

 

"And after 14 years at the highest level, I asked myself whether I wanted another season somewhere that has a familiar feel for me, like continuing with Inter or moving to England, which I had the chance to do.

 

"But I chose Anzhi and it can be compared to the decision someone might make to go travelling.

 

"For me, it’s the adventure. I needed to turn 90 degrees and start anew and rediscover those feelings I had as a boy with Mallorca when I was rushing headlong into new challenges.

 

"Throughout this long career, I’ve not been motivated by money, but instead by one goal: to become the best."

 

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