Just like wine, Samuel Eto’o has been getting better and better with the passing of every week. The striker scored the opening goal against Tottenham last weekend, while he also won the penalty that was converted by Eden Hazard. Eto’o turned 33 during the week and his contract runs out in June. Many were sceptical when Chelsea signed him from Anzhi Makhachkala and it was probably fair that the club offered him only a one-year contract.
He had to prove himself in one of the best leagues in the world. Right now, he seems to be doing exactly that, as he has become an integral part of this Chelsea team. Mourinho may mock Eto’o about his real age, but the former Barcelona superstar is proving that he is a master of scoring important goals.
Eto’o has been heavily linked with a move to the MLS at the end of the season, but the last few months of regular first-team football appears to have changed his mind. According to Daily Star, he has hinted about extending his stay at Chelsea. He said:
“I am happy here [at Chelsea]. My age is not important. I work the same like Oscar or Eden Hazard.
“I have more experience and this is good for the team.
“It is an amazing thing [to score 300 club goals] but I have maybe two or three years more [in my career]. I think I’m going to score more goals.”
Demba Ba is almost certain to leave in the summer, while Fernando Torres’ future also remains uncertain. In such a position, it would be wise for Chelsea to have Romelu Lukaku and Samuel Eto’o – a brilliant mixture of youth and experience.
Of course, he would cost in excess of £140,000 per week in wages, but it is peanuts compared to the trouble that the club has to go through to find a replacement. Moreover, that replacement has to settle into Chelsea’s style of play. At his age, Eto’o can offer two more years at the top level. His experience can actually benefit Lukaku during this period.
And there is one more reason to keep Eto’o – his celebrations.
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