Is Russia the future?
If it’s attention they wanted, then it’s attention they got. Russian clubs have splashed out some major cash this year, making their national league one of the most high-profile competitions in Europe.
With the new rich kids Anzhi Makhachkala on the block, a club linked with a new superstar practically every day, what are the implications for the transfer market? And what is the players’ true motivation to play in Russia?
Be honest. How surprised were you when Samuel Eto’o actually moved to Anzhi? I have to say I was. When the story initially emerged and some of the numbers concerning the offer surfaced, I thought the striker would be tempted, but would prefer to stay at Internazionale at least for another season. He didn’t need to go to Russia at this point in his career.
Needless to say I was wrong. The millions of roubles, and the challenge of playing and living in a different part of the world, tempted him enough to start a new and unexpected chapter in his career. The player himself said he had never considered playing in Russia, but the opportunity was too good to turn down.
The Cameroon star’s transfer was definitely a coup for a club that not many people had heard of just a handful of years ago. Founded in 1991, this season is just Anzhi's fifth in Russia's top flight.
The first time most football fans heard about them was when, under new billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov, they started signing some high-profile players like veteran Brazilian World Cup winner Roberto Carlos, Morocco midfielder Mbark Boussoufa and former PSV Eindhoven star Balazs Dzsudsak. When they got Eto’o, most people definitely stood up and took notice!
So who’s next? Anzhi have been linked with the likes of Robin van Persie, Frank Lampard and Neymar. Normally one would say the club from Dagestan wouldn’t have a prayer of landing such top players, but after the Eto’o deal, who would bet against it? And believe it or not, Russia has become quite a common place for international players to go.
All you have to do is take a quick look at the squads of Russia’s top teams and you will see they are full of foreigners of the highest quality. Brazilian striker Wagner Love has been at CSKA Moscow for ages, Portugal internationals Bruno Alves and Danny have been shining for league leaders Zenit St. Petersburg, former Germany striker Kevin Kuranyi is at Dinamo Moscow, Paraguay's Nelson Haedo Valdez is at Rubin Kazan and so on and so forth.
The top salaries on offer in the region, combined with the increasing quality of the teams and stadiums, mean the RPL has actually become quite an attractive destination.
As encouraging as that is for Russia, especially with the World Cup heading there in 2018, it’s seriously worrying for most of the other top leagues and clubs in Europe. All of a sudden they have another market they have to compete with for the best players on the planet.
In the past, top leagues such as those in England, Spain and Italy would know they had bragging rights when it came to attracting talent, but that is no longer the case. Some of the brightest young talents in the world could elect to head to Russia, at least for a couple of seasons, instead of plying their trade at the Santiago Bernabeu, San Siro or Old Trafford.
This is definitely a phenomenon we should keep our eyes on. If the trend continues, it will only be a matter of time before we see a Russian team reach the final of the European Champions League.
my quiz is for Etoo. How do you feel about the fall of Inter since your departure? You were the best player in Italy last year so what make you change your mind about Italian league? The last question is how is Italian football compared to Spanish football?. I remain a great admirer of yours and wish to see you back in Champions league. Your one of the best player i have ever seen year in and year out for about 10 years now. Most players play for 2-3 years and disappear but you have been at the top for so long. You are simply great Etoo Bravo.
The fall of inter u must be sick.
You are one of the most admired stars in Africa. Do you plan to pass on your talents to youths in Africa? If yes how would you do it?
From Peter Wachira, Kenya
To Eto'o -You are one of the most admired stars in Africa. Do you plan to pass on your talents to youths in Africa? If yes how would you do it?
From Peter Wachira, Kenya
roberto carlos would you ever want to returne to madrid help out with the team or we part of the club
No Question, but i love you guys
Eto'o I hope u will nt forget cameroun in ur earning?
Mr.money how are coping with ya team mates since u r d center force to d team and also a rumour abat return to barca......what true is it.......
Hi big bro do you think you will play in england before hanging up your boot
This question is for Eto'o
At your time Barcelona how was like playing alongside with Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi?
Ekto I love with all ha keep up God blss you mr ekto I wil love to see you ply in EPL
Whats your plan for african street children who know how to play but get know help mr. Etoo
Ekto I love you. with all my. ha keep up God blss you mr ekto I wil love to see you ply in EPL
My question is for eto'o why can't you come and play football in England to crown it up
How will you use your money making talent(football)to inspire young up coming African youths to promote unity and development?
How much Ȋ̝̊̅§ weekly Α̲̅πϑ pay after tax
true or false, money influence your decision of going to russia?
My question for your sir, simply is Ħϕω long do you intend play for anzhi and hope to see you scoring more goals
In my opinion, u are a very successful African player that have done your people proud. I wish the best in Russia. My question is; how does it fee to be d highest sportsman in d world?
WhaatprograamdouhabefortheAfricanchildrenbaaackhome?
my qusetion is for Etoo. do u think now u earn more but on the other side paid the the cost by losing the best places for football ? on other words that ur job now isnot a footplayer ? is it the end of big sorry and how do u feel of missing famouse clubs and players
@Pedropinto;could you interview Eliakwu Ali,a Nigerian International who plays for Anghi same club with Eto and Roberto Carlos.He is a striker.?
not too bad
Do you have the dream to play football in UK league??
hi my legend . the africa football legend samuell etoo i just like to remain you that were ever u play football please never ever forget real mallorca even if it possible to come back now you are wellcome because your are one of real mallorca legend and you are still play very good football please come and rescu mallorca mallorca still have an striker problem etoo please and we africa leave in mallorca are still want you because we are still praud of you etoo dont forget malloca is your open door to the world of football in europea and through out the world please dont forget mallorca come before u retire .am your mallorca fans and africa brothers please let see you again in la liga let your fan see you again in spain viva king of africa football viva ray etoo
Mine g0es t0 Samuel as well..
You are a prolific striker kn0wn literally t0 everyone ar0und tha w0rld.I've always liked y0u ever since y0ur Malloca times n always believed that y0u are nat tha kinda player wh0 mainly plays f0r m0ney.Criticisms emerged tha minute y0u agreed on m0vin' t0 Russia,I was surprised maself when I heard tha news..Tell me please,what made a great player like y0self m0ve from a p0pular club like Inter to a completely strange club like Anzi Makhachkala(never knew it existed,until y0u signed for 'em')really?
Thank y0u 😀
My question is for Eto'o. Is it true you are of Nigerian origin despite the fact you play for Cameroon?
Roberto Carlos – as a defender, who was the hardest player you ever played against? Why?
Samuel Eto'o – as a forward, which defender ranks as the best you've played against? Why?
Roberto Carlos – what goes through your mind as you approach the end of your career?
Did you do it for the cash?and what on earth happened to cameroon???no nations cup???why???
how is anzhi! first game first goal what are you hoping to wing while you are playing for anzhi? etoo! this question>
To Eto'o :what do you think about football management in Cameroon ?which advice can you give to all those youngs Africans who dreams to be like you ?in the life of someone like you ,who have won great football competitions it's there any place for humility?
To Roberto Carlos :in regard to your football career (which is great) ,have you any regret or unimplemented dream?
My question is for Eto'o.Apart from the money,why did you choose to go to a dangerous area in Russia at this point in time?Secondly,what charity work are you involved with in Africa like Kanu is doing in Nigeria?Is it true that your parents are from Nigeria?Thank you.
How did ur 1st goal felt like
What is your teleone number?
Will you play in England?
ETOO u make African Proud by becoming the WORLD highest paid PLAYER pls encourage the upcoming YOUNGER ONE.
My question for Eto>in Spain the stadiums had some racist fans in Russia it has one of the most notorious racist have you encountered racism how are they treating you in Russia?
samuel Eto how do u feel been the highest paid football player? and do u have any regret leaving inter milan?
Hallo Etto i love so much coz of wat u have done for uganda and many countries at large at large. Wha do to improve football in africa. Am from uganda
Eto'o who was your first girlfriend?
and do you think Anzhi Makhachkala will be win the CL someday while your still there?
how do you work with Carlos while you guys used to be in the same club nd now he's your coach! how do you feel about that?
however your my favorite football player nd i even draw your name on my head thought 🙂
what players do you think Anzhi should sign next year? waiting my answer from Diallo eto'o (Australia).
Inspite of being playin almost every league how do u find the the challenges&hwru preparing to make achievements wit the whole team especially the new players.proud of u eto'o god bless u
Samuel Eto'o is not the world best footballer yet earns the highest. What is the secret?
Who is your most admired African footballer of all time.
But why do they{anzhi}like recruiting old players or big names
Pls samuel is it true that u went to russia just for money
My question is for Etoó. After playing in top football clubs like Barcelona and Inter Milan where you did extremely well, why did you decide to go to Russia?
Have you ever admired English leaque?
If you were offered the same amount of money you got for Anzhi in another club like Chelsea, would you have stlill loved moving to Russia?
How can you compare Italian and Russian leaque based on the future matches you have played so far in Russia?
Anyway, you are a real star and I wish you the best.
. Eto. Apart from playing soccer..do u hav any talent u could work on to earn a living.
Hi lovely brother,
we your Cameroon brothers are proud of you. i wish to know what are your plans as concerns the development of football infrastructure in your country? Cameroon people have being behind you throughout your career such that when we watch you play, it simply means the lions are playing and we never fail in supporting you. We are eager to know what you plan to do as you own contribution to the development of football infrastructure in our beloved country?
To both players – Is it all about the money? Or do you see yourselves playing a role in the attractiveness and growth of the Russian League? And if so, could you see yourselves playing in countries that are trying to develop their leagues but may not have a s much money to provide?
Well done Samuel Eto'o. U've being a GOOD export and only George Weah did better. Wish u all the BEST @ your new club. Please, continue to be a blessing to many esp the needy everywhere u go. Regards to Robert Carlos and Pedro Pinto! Thanks.
Samuel Eto'o- Your recent transfer was also decided on financial, not football terms. How do you intend, as a high earning celebrity, to repay society and help the world? How does your moral compass see your lucrative contract despite leaving a world class league?
Eto'o please why did you move to Russia?
I love u guys
i must say dat
am not suprisd afta all futball z all about making money and he z not exceptoinal carry go bros kep on hangin african flag we ar proud of u up chelsea
we ar not lukn at faces am a nigerian 4 lif bye
well done my big brother eto;o am wishing u all de best in life cos u ve made all our africans proud,i salute u big bros carry worker.
Without having to say anythingt, your presence in Anzhi makes a statement. What statement do you think that could be in terms of helping to make a change or to build bridges?
Question to Eto: What do you think is the problem at this stage with Inter? Do you think is it because of you left the team or something else?
Question to Carlos: Do you prefer to stay as a coach or on the field as a player?
Best regards to all, including you Pedro :).
To Eto'o:
What is the secret about the way Barcelona play?
Why is Serie A losing so much quality?
Thanks
I wish u all the best, but do u think that ur look to the future made u join the russian team or the money, since a lot of the over 30 years players look for easy money.
Do u both think that ur future will be bright in Russia or its just another who cares what I do in here as long the $$$ is coming ??????
Have u both thought of the cold weather and the language difficulty, before u make ur move to this team.
Do u both belive that u will get the respect of the russian ppl, since they dislike color ppl.
Good luck and hope to see a lot of cute russian fans in the games, bcz we all sick of the drunk guys in the English & Italain games
Eto'o, as a talented player from Africa who plays soccer in Russia, how do you cope with the racism situations in Russia as we know that is one region with strong racial issues (on and off the pitch). what is being your plan on educating racists and the football world to stop racial segragations in our morden sociate?
also, would you consider to be coming to EPL one day? and if so , which club world you prefer to play for in England?
simon, Tanzania
Is racism really issue in Russia? Don’t you feel abused?
eto, How are you coping with racism in Russian football?
Samuel Eto are you a Jesus follower? God bless you.. Love you!
my big brother i wish you good and best to be the world best pay off the year2011 , Question to Eto i will like to know if you can still paly to europan team again or you will finsh with that club tthere in russian
pls never forget to show your brother who are westing there time in europ to follow you up there to get money as well
thanks
ife
Question to Eto´o: You have been an inspirational figure to the football supporters in Africa and western Europe, are you sure you will create the same impact in the football supporters community in Russia as you did in Africa and Western Europe.
to Etoo : what made you to play for unknown Club ? as i know most good players would say they will go to a big club to win trophies, was it Money which made your mind? And how do you cope with the Russians for both of you?
Hi dear friends,this good opportunity to ask you my best question,what is remained which you would like to achieve in your life?wish you best!
to eto'o and roberto carlos
who r ur best friend in anji club ?
Why is Serie A losing so much quality?
to me, you are a living legend. but fifa is yet to reward your effort and contributions to football on the field of play. could dis be attributed to racism? 2ndly. i'm one of many of barcelona's fans, who raised eyebrow, when u were swapped for ibra, whom i considered not good as u and not even a bettter team player. was that action a racism act of pep? lastly, aside the financial appeal to russia n d fact dat u have played in two of the most consideredbest league in the world. wat else could have lured u to russia? thank u samuel
My question is for Eto'o.You have been prolific whereever you have played and have generally won titles both for club and country.How do you feel when the reports in the Cameroonian press label you as the instigator of all the disciplinary problems of the Cameroon national team?Also, do you see yourself lifting another Champions league winners medal before you hang up your boots maybe with a club in England?And lastly are the rumors about a loan deal to Chelsea or Inter in the off season founded
To Eto'o
Why did u decide to move from Inter Milan After a fantastic season ?
To Roberto Carlos
How hard is it to be Manager and Player at the same time ?
do you feel that you have achieved all you set out for in football?
my question is for gentle Eto.
what is the secret behind you been so gentle, despite been the highest paid footballer in the world ? Nigeria players need to learn from you.
thanks my Brother.
does Carcela have any chance to move to another club?
loaned to another club for example?because he just get back from his injury and the Russian league almost over. thank you.
Greeting to Samuel and Roberto Carlos.
The first question is for Eto'o. How are you finding life in Russia? Is the Russian league meeting up to your expectations? What solution would you offer with regards to the current state of disarray within the Cameroonian national team.
To Roberto Carlos, now that you are part of the managing staff, what plans are you working on to push Anzhi to the top of the Russian league. Also there is a likely possibility of Anzhi playing in the European cup next season. What are the plans being put in place for that?
Thank you Guys and Good luck.
Do you think Africa will once win the world cup ?How and why ?Why do you think Africa is so poor ? Are you try ing to help Africa get away from poverty and how ?Do you think your new club will allow you to keep your high level playing and give you the necessary training required to win another ANC cup or world cup.do you intend to leave your New team and come back in Europe in a near future.?
To Eto'o: I saw a couple of your first matches with Anzhi, and the pace and game are definitely a step down. Also the loss of your coach and new roll Roberto Carlos has taken must be worrying of the real level of the RPL. What are your first impressions of this move, being there are already speculations that you will be loaned back to Inter during the winter when it is too cold to play in Russia? It definitely would have been great to see you in the EPL, why not a move there where you could have played in the arguably most competitive league in the world? Having won everything in Spain and Italy, the English league seemed a more viable move, especially granting that they could also offer a high salary.
Best of luck either way, as you are a player who has always given his all and been a joy to watch.
Samuel and Roberto enjoy it and have the fun in Russia....
Hello Roberto Carlos , i Think the Anji team will be Famous team , i love some players example Etoo and Boussoufa , and i wish see more good players in The team ..My best hope is to see also Carcela the new comming player in the team soon ..wishing you best wishes but please the Defence of Anji should have much changes and bring good defender soon
Eto,
Do you believe that if you were a local player in Spain (playing for the Spanish national team) you will be still playing at BARCA? I find it hard to believe that the Spanish press and the fans would of not make it hard for BARCA to let you go.
Hello Samuel ;
I have attention today to you say that all SUpport Of Fc barcelona like Samuel Eto'o , Et thank him after his Famous career with This Team Cataln .. And after , I have A simple Question :
What's you Opinion of "Mbarek Boussoufa And Mehdi Carcela" ?
even that i don't like the Barcelona club but i do like you're play , plus you and boussoufa are the best including you're coach Roberto and the new player Mehdi Carcela wa lov uu
Why did the two of you decide to move to the Russian Premier League rather than Major League Soccer? What are your thoughts on football in the United States?
i dont have a question but i just want to tell them plz, that they both got an amazing smile while they 're playing which remind me of the fact tha football is a sport eventually..
Hi sammuel Eto. when ever i watch you play on the pitch i fill so happy.God is really good . dont forget where you come from. cameroon which is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. with paul biya in power for 30 years and is looking forward for another 7 yrs in office. most cameroonians lack what to eat. poorverty is the order of the day. sickness and deaths are very common. elections in cameroon are rigged before the election day its self. are you aware
Hi Sam, how will your next season look like if your team does not succeed qualifying to the uefa champions league which is obviously the rendez-vous of all great players since we know your attachment to that competition?
You are a big proud of Africa keep it up ;were u like to play in England ? I wish u to be world best
My question for Eto'o:
You are a talented player without any dispute although your comments and actions off pitch have sometimes raised controversy. But there is also a part of you most people don't know about: you're a philantropist.
– Why don't we hear about this side of you
-now that you're the most payed player in the world, can we expect an increase in your philantripist activities?
Gabriel in Germany
TO Etoo:
Your first year at INTER.MILIAN was not as good as ETOO of Barcelona, WHY?
.
Why did you leave barcelona?
Are you of Nigerian origin?
To carlos
There was a match you left the pitch,without finishing the game ,WHY?
When do you wish to retire from football.
Dear Samuel, as you're clearly chasing the filthy lucre as your career winds down, is there any prospect of ending your playing days in China, which is the next big money destination for fading foreigners.
My Question is For Mehdi Carcela : I am Moroccan and I want to know when you will start your CAREER with Morocco!
And For Boussoufa : Your a special guy , we respect you as moroccan people !! special goal against tanzania !!
Eto'o your my number 1 African fan and anytime if i play sports such as soccer, basketball, and track i was follow your foot steps by being humble , respectful to my opponents and smile like you always do. And my question is if Cameroon qualify or don't make it to the world cup would you support other African teams who are representing Africa and would you expect new African teams like Sudan, Guinea, Mali, and other who hasn't made it to the world cup, would you expect something new from them like what Senegal did back in 2002 world cup?
– They call moi the Africanhope because i represent my country Ghana & Africa!
I would like to ask Samuel, Why did he choose to go to Russia? In other words, Why Russia only?
Any plans of retirering in Africa? more specially in the South African league,since its the best in Africa financially.
My wuestion to both Players:
SAMUEL ETO'O: 1) Have you considered ever playing for the English Premiere League. If yes, which team will you choose?
2) As captain of the Cameroon National team, your performances have not been at all comparable to what you display in the diaspora. Please what is really WRONG with the Lions?
3) What will you wanna become after your carrier,
a) Coach for soccer, b) Abusiness tycoon c) A TV Celebrity?
ROBERTO CARLOS: As a veteran player please tell me who you coonsider is the BEST PLAYER oF THIS LIST
A) king pele B) Maradona C) Zenedine Zidan or D) Christiano Rolnaldo.
I 'm a great fan you and my great wish is to come watch u play in the Russia league. please I need you to invite me and sponsorship. I believe nothing is impossible
To Both,
Why is t that the RPL is made up of just 16 teams? How is it possible for an African like me to live and work in Russia? This because I love that part of the world so much.
Eto'o! I love the way play and your consistency on the field, but do you think moving to Russia and to a little known club will help your game?
Keep on kicking Black Panther!!!
Hello Carlos, I have missed those pwerful free kick of yours for sometime. Why move to Russia? Is it still for the love of the 'beautiful game' or the money?
I am a fan of Cameroon footballer and goal-scoring hero Samuel Eto'o and Brazilian attacking defender Roberto Carlos.
It would be nice if Senhor Pedro Pinto could ask Samuel and Roberto Carlos to speak a bit about the social and communitarian projects they run in their respective regions for the less privileged, marginalized, disabled and deserving kids.
I take this opportunity to wish Samuel Eto'o and Roberto Carlos success in their mission at Anzhi Makhachkala.
My question to Eto'o and soccer fans.if we look at eto'o's record as compared to strikers like Villa and Torres, he is far ahead of them but what puzzles me is that the way the lata two are be hailed am shock if people are realistic about this football we watch or something else.Second Eto'o I am still to understand why Guadiola will send away a proven striker of your type
Truly you have been on top for over ten years now.You made me watch la liga,serie A and now you are taking me to Russia.Do you really have any dream of playing in the worlds most popular league(Barclays premier league). Love to see you there BIG SAM.
Cameroon.
Do you think Pep Guardiola break the big "3"(Ronnie, you, and Messi) so he can impose his styles on the team or to control the team?
eto'o what would you do to help starvation in africa being one of the greatest sportsman it ever produced
eto'o what would you do to help starvation in africa being one of the greatest sportsman it ever produced and how does it feel to win so many leagues and titles
Hullo, ETO'O,pliz never forget to invest your money and help too the needy children in Africa .
Pls dnt forge
t ur people nd GOD wil bless u.