Martinez coy as reports hint at imminent Eto'o departure

, 16 January, 102comments  |  Jump to most recent

Eto'o's agent claimed today that his client "has chosen Genoa"
Despite claims by Roberto Martinez today that he will take a couple of weeks to think about Samuel Eto'o's position with Everton, reports from Italy and the player's agent suggest that the Cameroonian has agreed terms with Sampdoria.

Martinez told the media today that Everton hadn't received anything concrete in terms of offers for Eto'o and that both parties would use the remainder of the transfer window to assess his future at the club.

"It could well be that Samuel stays with us," the Martinez said. "We'll see what's best for the club and Samuel."

The Italian media, however, have been consistent this week in their suggestions that negotiations were moving swiftly between the veteran striker and the Serie A club and the latest claim from Sky Italia is that he has agreed terms and will undergo a medical on Monday.

Claudio Vigorelli, Eto'o's agent, told Genoese newspaper Il Secolo XIX that, [Samuel has] chosen Genoa and he's really motivated. In the last few hours, an offer arrived from Santos which was greater from a financial viewpoint, but he isn't interested in it.

His family lives in Milan and he dreams of playing in such a passionate place like Genoa to finish his career. He's going to live in Genoa and is not going to commute between Milan and Genoa.

Eto'o was signed as a free agent in August after the 33 year-old passed up an offer from Liverpool, putting pen to paper on a deal that would reportedly trigger a second season at Goodison once he made 15 appearances.

The three-time Champions League winner sits three shy of that milestone having played 12 times for the Blues but his lack of games in recent weeks, Everton's slump in form and rumours that he has fallen out with Martinez over tactics appear to have him reconsidering his decision to stay in the Premier League.

On the topic of transfers, Martinez was also asked today about his search for goalkeeping reinforcements in light of Joel Robles' impressive performance in the FA Cup replay against West Ham on Tuesday evening.

The manager restated that he is still looking at bringing in a younger, long-term acquisition to provide cover for Robles and the injured Tim Howard but insisted that he would "not be bringing in someone in for the sake of it."

He flatly denied that Sheffield Wednesday's Kieren Westwood was on his shopping list and would not be drawn on naming other targets.

In the meanwhile, Martinez is hoping to use the gap in the Blues' fixture schedule that has opened up following their elimination from the FA Cup to take the players to a warm-weather training camp later this month.

 

Reader Comments (102)

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Kunal Desai
1 Posted 16/01/2015 at 17:20:34
Medical on Monday with Sampdoria.
Kieran Riding
2 Posted 16/01/2015 at 17:24:56
Aye, I did post in the live forum.
Wages issue sorted, although he wasn’t on as much as everyone thinks.
Ste Traverse
3 Posted 16/01/2015 at 17:25:14
With us still in Europe the most obvious thing to do is get rid of the player in our squad with the most experience/pedigree in European competition isn’t it?

Just why didn’t Bobby M think of that earlier??

I think it’s ridiculous to get rid of him at this point.

Kieran Riding
4 Posted 16/01/2015 at 17:27:02
Dear Roberto, please stop trying to bullshit us in your press conferences about transfers, we aren’t all idiots.

Thanks.

Len Hawkins
5 Posted 16/01/2015 at 17:35:28
Is there any salt to rub in the festering sores – like giving him a lottery win style loyalty bonus for his 12 games?
Les Fitzpatrick
6 Posted 16/01/2015 at 17:47:23
Roberto... please stop taking the fans for complete idiots, you have been rumbled matey.
Michael Kenrick
7 Posted 16/01/2015 at 17:48:33
Part of me suspects it is this that is really ’pivotal’ to our season — in all the wrong ways.

Such a fantastic player... is he really over the hill and far away? Does that explain why he did not really click at Everton (apart from some all-too-fleeting cameos)?

Hardly, if Sampdoria are taking him onboard. Although you could perhaps argue his waning silky skills will find an easier playing field in Italy than the... *cough*... ’cut and thrust’ of the Premier League.

If he really did fall out with Martinez over tactics or footballing ’philosophy’, that is very worrying... although no more so than the many conversations and hair-tearing we’ve had on here these past weeks as we all struggle to come to terms with Everton’s horrendous current form / little mid-season blip [delete as appropriate].

I’m deeply saddened for what this says about Everton if it goes through and he goes on to play a significant part in the rest of the Italian league season. What was a tremendous feather in our cap will have been turned completely upside down... and I can’t banish the strong suspicion that the main fault lies with Martinez and his self-confessed intransigence.

Christopher Kelly
8 Posted 16/01/2015 at 17:58:28
My guess is Bobby sold Eto’o like he sold us the first season and Eto’o found him out just as we are now. He questioned his tactics (how dare you question him, ever??) and now he’s off!

I couldn’t believe our luck to get in such a seasoned world class pro; the fact he leaves 4 months later is an embarrassment of the highest order.

Kieran Riding
9 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:04:33
Michael, but we can all move on now though.

He’s got a cracking long term deal with more once he retires by all accounts, so he is sorted, and let’s hope an upturn in attitude from some of our lads follows, as I’m sure we are seeing already.

Stephen Brown
10 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:03:20
If he does go, I’m sure he will comment on his time at GP and this may shed some light on some of the rumours re: dressing room fall out, tactics etc.

I’d keep him for Europa challenge... 1-0 down in the semi-final –who shall we bring on? Samuel Eto’o or Conor McAleny!?!

Kieran Riding
11 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:07:28
Stephen, I’d bring on Tim Cahill.
Colin Glassar
12 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:11:32
Eto’o has never settled down in the uk. His spiritual home is Italy and that’s where his family still lives, in Milan.
Sampdoria are, apparently, trying to get his sponsors to finance the deal as they don’t have enough money to pay him. We get, according to some reports, £1m for him so not a bad deal for both parties (even though I thought he could be valuable to us up in Europe).
This, however, has not stopped some from using this as another excuse to get some manager bashing in despite the facts.
Kieran Riding
13 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:23:10
Colin, he can leave on a free to Italy I reckon, so talk of £1m maybe off the mark.
Colin Glassar
14 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:24:22
He has a two year contract Kieran, automatically renewed after 15 games played, I’m sure any player under contract has to have a transfer fee included, albeit minimal.
Kieran Riding
15 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:28:26
Hope so Colin, but I’d not want to be fucking about with a very skint Sampdoria over a few bob.
Jay Harris
16 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:26:15
Colin, the manager-bashing is a result of the same manager saying a few days ago "None of the squad is leaving, we have had no enquiries".

Now it looks like he is leaving on Monday and RM is still saying "the enquiries are only tentative we will decide what is best for EFC and Sam over the next few weeks".

It would do him better to stop riding the bulls and get a fucking keeper sorted out and Atsu, Eto’o replacements.

Howard Parr
17 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:24:09
Maybe RM will let him go if/when we have made a signing or two (no, not holding my breath either). I agree with Stephen #10 that any dressing room issues would be exposed on his departure....

I’m wondering if that’s why we are waiting to offload so that no prospective signings are put off by negative vibes.

I’m guessing Cahill was tongue in cheek but if this change in approach over last 3 games doesn’t start yielding WINS I would see how he’s fixed!

Scott Robinson
18 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:33:03
Eto’o stood out like a sore thumb at Everton. Played out of position and a Maradona of some sorts, I think he would be a disruptive influence if anything.

It’s just a hunch, but I don’t think Eto is the man for the moment in the situation we find ourselves in. Grafting ain’t in his footballing blood.

Lyndon Lloyd
19 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:42:14
I get the impression Roberto’s comments are designed to make it look like Eto’o is the one driving his own exit rather than the club either wanting or forcing him out.

Not that I think it matters in terms of PR because it doesn’t reflect terribly well on us either way. But if, as is rumoured, Eto’o was doing the player-manager act and undermining Martinez, then he’s better off out.

Michael O'Brien
20 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:47:02
Not to arsed about this one really, not the type of player we need at the club, as soon as the going gets a little tough he wants out. Hopefully we can get some money for him, and his wages can be used towards someone younger.
Kelvin Thomas
21 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:51:17
Our squad is so thin!!
Mark Tanton
22 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:51:50
Is it just a coincidence that the squad lost its unity at the same time Eto’o arrived? Seems like Martinez has perhaps decided to show who is gaffer and cut his losses on this one.
Ian Jones
23 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:51:22
I think Martinez indicated we wouldn’t be selling our biggest assets in January which leaves the window ajar to sell some not so big assets or allow a player to leave on a free. So Martinez may just be correct....

Shame if Eto’o goes but I would rather have people at the club who want to be here. Not just going through motions. Played in the right position he could be useful. Like many players.

But if I were him I would be wanting to play more as well.

Nigel Gregson
24 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:53:07
Agree completely Lyndon. I think we are often too guilty into reading too much into these silly media conference sound bites. He misses the sunshine, and he misses the food - let him go. No harm done, wages freed up, average age reduced, squad all the better for the experience, hopefully I’ll be able to nab an Everton Eto’o t-shirt somewhere. Thanks for the memories Sam, I’ll miss your smiles.
Paul Gladwell
25 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:50:06
I watched Eto’o all game at Swansea at home and I start thinking "leave the lad alone" he was constantly bringing Barkley over and giving him long chats, none stop instructions, now there is helping the lad and there is getting on the lads nerves and I thought Eto’o never helped the lad that game he looked pissed off, yes he’s been a winner but so was Roy Keane.
Some of these men think their medals make them untouchable .
Brian Harrison
26 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:53:28
Maybe RM might be better served if he spent time trying to make sure that Garbutt signs a new contract. He seemed very keen to extend Hibberts contract and Osmans contract and saw fit to offer Barry a 3 year deal and Eto a 2 year deal. A lot is spouted about how he gives youth a chance but the facts don’t seem to show that.
Pete Edwards
27 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:55:38
If he wants to go let him, its probably an easier game to play his style and at his age in Italy anyway. And if he has been disruptive to the great team spirit we have had over many seasons (it sure is a coincidence) then see ya later, it’s not needed no matter what your name is or who you are.

I’m sure as has been mentioned already he will shout his mouth off at why he’s left (I’ve got no reason to think he will stay) but if it gets us back to having a fighting spirit and results turn around for the better then I for one will be asking Eto’o who!!

John Daley
28 Posted 16/01/2015 at 18:57:29
"Such a fantastic player"

He was once but not for some time now. True, the last vestiges of lingering class might still be visible within that creaking body, but what exactly has his effect on the side been thus far?

When you take his stellar reputation out of the equation, his good standing with Evertonian’s rests solely on a couple of goals against Burnley. The rest of the time he’s spent coming back to the halfway line to collect the ball, only to give it away, before doing the exact same thing again.

Talk about living off your past achievements. It’s almost like people were desperate to love him before he’d even done anything in a blue shirt because a once world class player turning up at Everton lent some legitimacy to their claims that we still deserve to be considered a ’big club’.

He showed at Chelsea he couldn’t cut it in the Premier League beyond a couple of brief cameos. He was off giving it the big ’I am’ in Russia prior to that. He hasn’t been a top player since his primary weapon of pace said toodle-oo Eto’o.

"If he really did fall out with Martinez over tactics or footballing ’philosophy’, that is very worrying"

Firstly, there’s no real evidence there has been a falling out and, even if there has, the fault may not lie with the manager. Eto’o has long had a reputation as a bit of a rabble rouser and something of a selfish twat. His problem may not be with the manager’s ’tactics or footballing philosophy’, but more with the fact that he’s not crucial to those tactics or a fundamental factor in said philosophy.

Rather than focus on his past reputation as a top class player and take that as evidence that he’s beyond reproach, why not take into consideration his well documented past showings of camaraderie and professional character?

He fell out with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, calling him a coward and saying he refused to listen to anything he said. Why?According to the man himself: "Pep wanted to give me lessons on how to be a striker, but he was a midfielder". Yeah, but now he’s your fucking manager, big shot.

He flat out refused to come on as a sub in a game when Frank Rijkaard was in charge and earnt criticism from Ronaldinho, who publicly stated that Eto’o never put the team first.

He fell out with his international boss Javier Clemente, and in his role as captain of Cameroon got one of his own teammates (Alex Song) fined by complaining that he had the temerity to refuse to shake his hand.

At Inter he again fell out with his coach, Gian Piero Gasperini.

At Chelsea he publicly complained about his teammates and his lack of playing time and then fell out with Mourinho when he made a joke about his age.

What does that leave? His time at Anzhi? This is what his ’good friend’ Roberto Carlos had to say about Sammy’s attitude:

"I’ve known Eto’o since he was 16. He’s a good person and I’ve always liked him, but he always thinks of himself, not the group... He did everything at Anzhi, except play football.

"There were a few small problems in the dressing room with the arrival of Eto’o, which were resolved. His signing had to be explained to several players.

"Then there came a point when Samuel wanted to interfere in my work. He wanted to control the club, taking my place and that of the coach, Guus Hiddink."

Is it really mere coincidence that there was never any hint of dressing room unrest until a fully fledged diva arrived in their midst?

John Keating
29 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:11:59
OK, so Eto’o explains the dressing room fall out etc.
What about the shite pre-season, tactics, substitutions etc – is that Eto’o’s fault too??
Dave Hall
30 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:18:04
Dear TWers,

Managers lie to the press during transfer season. It’s not personal, it’s doing business.

Yours sincerely,
Captain Obvious

Kieran Riding
31 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:22:10
John #29

Just you wait until we win the fair play league and start our season first week in July. Then you’ll see how boss we are.

Colin Glassar
32 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:20:37
Jay, the thing is Eto’o and wife want to return to Italy. I’ll tell you something else, I’ve been told that actually eto’o and Martinez get on very well together. It was remember after a long phone call that Martinez persuaded Samuel to turn down other offers and come to Everton.

His problem, apparently, is not with Martinez and the club but with the attitude of some of his fellow players. As many have said, this is a guy with a winning mentality.

Denis Richardson
33 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:28:48
Will be sad to see the guy leave but realistically he’s not going to get much game time in his proper position so maybe best to let him leave.

Kieran Riding
34 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:31:36
Colin, don’t name the players, or you will be here all night. Trust me.
Sam Rangle
35 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:29:04
If he has a winning mentality, why’d he come here? Just kidding. John Daley (the golfer?) makes some interesting points that opened my eyes. Who really knows what it is, but none of us like losing players with that sort of pedigree... How is it we end up being a farce yet again?
Nigel Gregson
36 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:33:00
CG - would love to discuss what else your sources tell you over a pint one day :-)
Kieran Riding
37 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:54:16
Whatever has gone on, has gone on, BUT, I will never celebrate getting rid of Samuel Eto’o over Arouna Kone.
Andy Crooks
38 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:57:27
This just makes Roberto look more bewildered and out of his depth. He seems to spout the first thought that comes into his head. He may be the great tactician that some believe so perhaps he is only pretending to be a bumbling, soft fool.
David Barks
39 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:50:52
I don’t care about excuses, injuries, anything. The simple fact is that this season has been a complete failure. That failure started with the way we prepared for the season. And throughout the season it has been compounded by a horrible style of play on the pitch.

That style has been implemented by the manager. Other teams have had no problem defending against it. The level of play amongst our players has dropped across the board. Coleman, Baines, Jagielka, Barkley, Stones have all gone backward this season.

We never got to see what Samuel could do for us because the manager refused to play him, and when he was in the game he put him in midfield. A midfield that’s often crowded with Barkley and Naismith already trying to fill that central midfield position.

Minik Hansen
42 Posted 16/01/2015 at 19:56:12
Players with the right attitude has been his main priority in his first season, can’t remember if he mentioned in the last window, but hopefully he has been spot on regarding Eto’o, and Eto’o just wants to move to Italy to make his sport and living easier.

Only one thing left to do is wait for more info and how this progresses, if Samuel gets to say something and just get on with getting proper reinforcement to the team.

Paul Dark
45 Posted 16/01/2015 at 20:38:12
On a serious note: Sam’s departure is most unwelcome and – whichever way you look at it – marks a moral blow for RM’s project, such as it is.
Kieran Riding
47 Posted 16/01/2015 at 20:42:46
Sam’s wife knows her shit.

She may only have just actually got married to him, and lives in Italy, and the selfish money grabber is living the life of Riley in Walton, whilst she’s out shopping, but she deffo can spot a shite winger. No doubt.

Al Reddish
53 Posted 16/01/2015 at 20:55:14
What he means is we’ll delay it as much as we can so we can say we didn’t have time to buy a replacement..but our youngsters are looking so good that I don’t need one anyway. Crazy decision to let him go but I read despite his relatively low wage, he picks up around £15k each goal he scores. I reckon Bill must have seen enough after the Burnley game!
John Keating
59 Posted 16/01/2015 at 21:24:09
I doubt Martinez wants him gone before Monday night.
If we don’t get a result then they can share a taxi to John Lennon International.
Colin Glassar
60 Posted 16/01/2015 at 21:36:47
It’s that 15 game clause, John.
Paul Hewitt
61 Posted 16/01/2015 at 21:59:57
Milan or Liverpool? tough choice.
Andy Ellis
62 Posted 16/01/2015 at 21:53:27
Got my 9 year old lad the home shirt with Eto’o on the back for Christmas so he’s gutted, only had it a few weeks. Cost me more than 50 rips with Premier League badges etc. Thought it was a safe enough bet as he’d only just signed.

Will be asking them to change it if he defo goes, still got my receipt, not sure what the policy is but know there is some disclaimer online but I bought it in town. If they will change it I’d best tell my lad to steer clear from Coleman or Mirallas as dosen’t look like he’ll get much mileage from them either.

Kieran Riding
63 Posted 16/01/2015 at 22:20:04
Andy, ask them about my Arteta shirt whilst your in there.
Eddie Dunn
64 Posted 16/01/2015 at 22:20:32
It is all politics really, and Roberto is his own spin doctor.
In this environment he really isn’t going to tell the fans anything, just like every other issue at the club.
He doesn’t let on, and bullshits when asked by the media. However , who trusts those fuckers?

They make stories up all the time, so no wonder Roberto spouts so much crap. I suspect that he is weeding out undesirables, but we will be the last ones to know .

Roberto has tried to keep Eto involved, and has had to play him in the wrong places,to keep him involved, and perhaps this is one of the reasons we have all been moaning about players playing out of position.
Let us hope that if Eto goes, we may see Del Boy at John Lennon soon.

Stephen Brown
65 Posted 16/01/2015 at 22:37:35
Ask them about my Danny Williamson shirt !!! 50p a letter too.
Anthony Jones
66 Posted 16/01/2015 at 22:29:30
However you dress it up this smells of a falling out, and it was always destined to happen. Add an arrogant once world beating centre forward with an arrogant inflexible idealist. Mix in two heaped tablespoons of crap results...
Harold Matthews
67 Posted 16/01/2015 at 22:49:27
Once a great player and still more alert than his team-mates, I’ll be sorry to see him go but will not dwell on it. Lots of things happen for lots of different reasons. Time to move on.
James Marshall
68 Posted 16/01/2015 at 23:47:22
You sold Lambert...... We sold Samuel Eto’o.... Samuel Eto’o!
Nigel Gregson
69 Posted 17/01/2015 at 00:18:33
Eddie Dunn - amen to Del boy returning. God we need him.
Phil Walling
70 Posted 17/01/2015 at 00:51:03
When he goes, as sure he will, he will hardly be missed because here he has been little more than a cameo player. You don’t spend £28M on a lead striker and then let some old timer take the headlines. Eto’o was a strange, misguided signing put on indecent money. And for what purpose ?
Mark Andersson
71 Posted 17/01/2015 at 00:39:14
Some interesting points as usual. The presure is mounting. The weekend results will only add more for Monday’s game.

Keep an eye on Bobby’s brown shoes, they might be a shade darker after the weekend.

I just hope the team gets the right result no matter what the performance.

Roger Sunde
72 Posted 17/01/2015 at 03:37:14
Get rid of... £700k a week?

Please tell me he din’t earn that?

Paul Ferry
73 Posted 17/01/2015 at 04:22:11
Spot on Phil Walling - 70 - and, quite frankly, what on earth has Eto’o done since say October? Erm, very little. His tadpole impact on the pitch of the last three months is pretty much in sync with whisperings about discontent at Finch Farm and then if true fingers being pointed at SE as a principal instigator.

Go! Good riddance! One more embarrassing little vignette in our otherwise pedigreed history. I didn’t want him in the first place. Was a tad embarrassed by the hallelujahs when he signed on the dotted line. Get him out of here and as Phil suggests it might mean we’ll have fewer number 9s and 10s on the pitch.

And make sure to ignore Eto’os barbed wire sentences in his ghost written autobio about his little Everton cameo.

Laurie Hartley
74 Posted 17/01/2015 at 04:29:59
Very sad. Michael has expressed my feelings in his post @ 7 but I am going to take Harold's advice @ 67. No use crying over spilt milk.
David Barks
75 Posted 17/01/2015 at 04:49:10
Roger, what in the hell are you talking about? Pretty sure you're off on the wages and I don't think a player can put himself in the team. Hard to score when you never play.
Paul Tran
76 Posted 17/01/2015 at 07:00:43
I'm a bit confused with this. Part of me thinks he's took one look at Martinez's methods and decided to speak up. Or maybe he's just your average modern arrogant has-been footballer.

Whatever way you look at it, it looks poor. A strange signing in a strange season.

Peter Barry
77 Posted 17/01/2015 at 08:01:16
Why is it that, when I read this story, the phrase 'Rats leaving a sinking ship' immediately springs to mind?
Adam Luszniak
78 Posted 17/01/2015 at 08:31:50
John Daley, that's an eye opener of a post! If all that is true than good riddance.
Ben Jones
79 Posted 17/01/2015 at 08:47:19
It all got bad for him when Martinez realised he can't play up front! He was battling Naismith and Barkley for that number 10 spot. So in that case we didn't need him!
Jon Withey
80 Posted 17/01/2015 at 09:37:29
Ridiculous for criticising Martinez for using a poker face during transfer dealing – he can lie his ass off if it works financially for the club.

Plenty of other things to criticise him for.

Ian Bennett
81 Posted 17/01/2015 at 09:54:08
The side needs strengthening and if that means sacrificing the oldest of the three number 10s competiting against each other in the squad, so be it.

We are crying out for some cutting edge out wide with Alexandersson (McGeady) and Oster (Atsu) just not up to it, and Pienaar competiting with Barry and Gibson on the mobility stakes.

Relying on a fit-looking Kone is a gamble, but it looks the right idea to cash in, and bring some one decent on loan. I just hope it isn't of the ilk of Maloney or Lennon.

Tony Cheek
82 Posted 17/01/2015 at 10:20:44
One thing I like, is that Everton do not do their dirty washing in public. What goes on behind the scenes stays there. That's how it should be. While we can only guess and put out false rumours about the actual facts.

Take the Distin affair this season. I heard everything from disagreements with other players to Distin throwing bottles at Bob's house in the middle of the night. We do not need to know everything. We will probably hear about it later from the over-the-top Eto'o. But by then he will be long forgotten. Bring on Kone, I say!

Tony Hill
83 Posted 17/01/2015 at 10:31:54
John Daley, that is indeed very revealing and may well put a different complexion on things. I can't imagine he suddenly became a different character when he joined us.
Tony Abrahams
84 Posted 17/01/2015 at 10:05:18
If you don't like the manager, wouldn't it be better to criticise him for signing Eto'o, rather than getting rid? If he would have done his homework, he maybe would have realised why Mouriniho called him an old man. Eto'o, a man whose game was based on blistering pace, just doesn't really want to run anymore.

It was a gamble that hasn't really worked and people blaming the manager yet again, should stop and think. To quote a line from a Fleetwood Mac classic, players only love you when there playing. So why wouldn't they fall out?

James Stewart
85 Posted 17/01/2015 at 11:22:43
Stupid decision. Michael articulates it best. This doesn't make any sense. What if Lukaku gets injured.
Phil Rodgers
86 Posted 17/01/2015 at 11:29:20
I’d kill for a Tim Cahill in that dressing room right now...
Guy Hastings
87 Posted 17/01/2015 at 11:34:09
John Daley - excellent post. Assuming all that's true, I have to say that it demonstrates extremely poor diligence on the part of EFC. It doesn't matter how good a player is, if he's going to fuck up a previously united dressing room then tears before bedtime are inevitable.

If you've not read The Nowhere Men about football's scouts, you should. It's an absolute education and at the end I seriously questioned why I still bother with the game at professional level. And my jury is still out.

Andrew Clare
88 Posted 17/01/2015 at 11:45:53
When I lived in Italy, I heard all about the stories of Eto'o falling out with various coaches over the years. I think having 'seasoned pros' in the dressing room has a detrimental affect on the team.

We who have played the game have all come across the 'big head', 'the know it all' who gets on everyone's wick. No one wants that player in their team, they want a united unit who play for each other. That's why I groan whenever we buy an older player because you just know that they are going to bring a lot of baggage with them.

Martinez needs to get rid of all these older players in the summer and bring in hungry young players or play the kids we already have. I say no room for the 'world weary' at Everton!

Anto Byrne
89 Posted 17/01/2015 at 12:03:12
Haha... Cahill just came on for a Australia as a sub. Just like Eto’o – living on reputation.

South Korea got some useful players. Young fit energetic skilful and won 1-0. Aussies a rabble. Well worked goal was pure football delight.

Max Wilson
90 Posted 17/01/2015 at 12:04:08
Reading all the comments, I get the feeling no-one has the real story, sorry. You could not blame a talented player like Eto'o wanting out of sitting on the bench week after week, feeling his reputation and career slipping away.

His family live in sunny Italy, where the top level game is a lot less physically demanding and they play less often, better for a player in his later thirties. From RM's point of view, he probably is good mates with him and feels a bit guilty and this reduces his wages bill, maybe gives him budget for a new signing.

As for the knockers, now listen here whacks, this guy was the bees knees and he must have been pissed off with our rubbish midfield service to him and having to run all over the pitch in search of the ball. He's a top skilled striker who works his magic in and around the box and we did not give him service whenever he played. Good luck to him, I say...

Denis Richardson
91 Posted 17/01/2015 at 13:05:12
Even the BBC now saying it's pretty much a done deal with Eto'o having agreed terms on a 2½-year contract.

Makes a bit of a mockery of the whole "We'll decide in the next two weeks" thing from Martinez.

The guy is 100% going, if not already gone, so just admit it and move on rather than trying to play as if the club is somehow in control. Supposedly he's in Italy on Monday for his medical!

Peter Laing
92 Posted 17/01/2015 at 13:12:17
I will be glad to see him gone. Over the hill and an apparent divisive influence on the Club.
James Kirrane
93 Posted 17/01/2015 at 13:40:29
Well pasted his best. What exactly has he contributed to the Club?We need to be signing young, hungry player, not past their sell by dates Prima- Donas. His purchase was poorly thought out. Let's hope we get a more logical replacement.
Jim Hardin
94 Posted 17/01/2015 at 13:49:47
Hate to lose Eto’o especially given Kone is returning from over a year off and quite frankly wasn’t lighting it up at Wigan. BTWE our wonderboy from last season has exactly 1 goal in ten games on loan this season.

If Eto’o barking at other players because he sees the same thing fans do regarding effort and in some cases (Besic and McGeady, lack of EPL talent but plenty of wasted effort) then given where he played and what he accomplished perhaps this is a point against the manager. If RM can’t control the dressing room then again, it is a point against the manager. Maybe RM has to get rid of him since Eto’o has accomplished more than RM except for that relegation trick.

Love the comments about him being out of position and coming all the way back past midfield to try to get the ball as a fault given that Mirallas and Barkley get blasted for not coming back. This sounds to me like a guy who is willing to try a different spot and to give it a try even if he isn’t quite comfortable there (Rooney anyone?)

As for his abilities, even with his best days behind him (BTW pace or lack of it on this team with RM’s painfully slow build-up is a non-factor but I did watch Eto’o blow by several defenders in his first three appearances), I doubt that anyone on the squad except Pienaar can do what he does with the ball. Problem is that none of the other guys expect what he is doing so he ends up drawing two or three guys in the box and not being able to make that little 4 foot to five foot pass in the box to a teammate or not receiving the ball as he takes two steps to an open position.

Everton simply doesn’t have that quality of player so his adjustment period would be at least this season if he was remaining on the squad. However, if our manager was honest he would say that he was freeing up the roster spot just in case another Wigan player becomes available.

Andy Walker
95 Posted 17/01/2015 at 14:35:25
Martinez the great properganderist has managed to create a perception that Eto'o was a devisive influence - really? More like deflecting the problems away from who really is responsible eh Roberto? Don't fall for it.

The problem at our club is the manager.

Jon Cox
97 Posted 17/01/2015 at 17:09:41
Great post JD (as usual)
Declan Brown
99 Posted 17/01/2015 at 17:56:22
Ever remember that guy in Iraq called "Comical Ali" who denied that his city wasn't falling to the infidel (yet they were there behind him on camera the whole time)?

I''m going to call Roberto "Comical Bob" from now on having listened to the utter claptrap he spouts when in front of camera.

Reporter: So Roberto, is Eto'o leaving Everton?
Comical Bob : No, we'll make a decision in the next fortnight, he's staying, big day at training tomorrow.
Reporter : He's agreed a 2.5 year deal at Sampdoria and is on his way to the airport Roberto
Comical Bob : Know nothing about it, he's staying, he's in a pivotal stage of a phenomonal lunch.

(Seconds later camera switches to John Lennon Airport and Sammy is getting on the plane to be re-united with his wife in Italy to a catcall of "Arrivederci Sammy"!...meanwhile back at the club press conference...Comical Bob asserts that Sammy is indeed part of his plans for the pivotal training match the next day...

Colin Grierson
101 Posted 17/01/2015 at 18:09:45
If rumours are true of Eto'o's destabilising nature then fair play to RM for dealing with it sensitively and then getting him the fuck out of our club. Billy big bollocks wankers like him can go and get in the ear of other teams stars! Twat! (If rumours are true obviously) ;)
Brian Waring
102 Posted 17/01/2015 at 18:18:25

http://www.eatsleepsport.com/Everton/etoo-set-for-golden-handshake-1873554.html#.VLqnwJUqV94

Brian Hill
103 Posted 17/01/2015 at 18:39:24
Brian @102, have you any particular reason for believing the unattributed drivel in this link over any other?
Dave Williams
104 Posted 17/01/2015 at 18:37:08
We gave him a go and if it had worked everyone would have been crowing at how well we did to sign him.

It hasn't worked so get rid and release what would have been his wages to bring someone else in.

The squad has far too many old players who are not contributing so hopefully he will be the first of a few to go over the next seven months or so.

Great post John Daley - he is unlikely to have changed since his younger days and it does seem very significant that rumours of dressing room problems have only started since he arrived.

Never an embarrassment to try and fail provided action is taken to redress the failure - well done Roberto.

I do a fair bit of work with managers footballers and agents and rumours are spread by all and sundry to suit a particular purpose. Always look behind what is being said and most of the time you will eventually spot the reason for it, and no one will speak openly and truthfully about transfers in advance for obvious reasons. Never take anything as gospel until it actually becomes gospel truth - it's the way it all works!

Colin Glassar
105 Posted 18/01/2015 at 00:07:56
According to The Mirror, Eto'o is on £80k p/w. Letting him go now will save us £6m in wages. I was under the impression he was on £60k a week...
Paul Hewitt
106 Posted 18/01/2015 at 00:43:33
If we had played him as a striker maybe it would have worked
Denis Richardson
107 Posted 18/01/2015 at 00:46:21
Colin - its the Mirror, need I say more?

I thought he was on around 55k/week with a pay as you play clause attached.

Jon Cox
108 Posted 18/01/2015 at 00:52:17
Colin, the Mirror? defo a fux pax on your be - halve... ;-)
Colin Glassar
109 Posted 18/01/2015 at 01:14:03
I know, scraping the barrel but it's been a slow day.
Brian Waring
110 Posted 18/01/2015 at 11:57:24
Brian (#103) no mate, nice name by the way.
Phil Walling
111 Posted 18/01/2015 at 13:23:00
Well, Colin, that must have been some bust-up he had with your hero. Even if, as you suggest, Eto'o was on a mere £60k a week, things must be fairly unpleasant for him to drop £35k to get out of here!
Colin Glassar
112 Posted 18/01/2015 at 14:26:43
C'mon Phil, he hardly needs the money does he? He can choose where he goes, how much he earns etc... Torres has taken a pay cut to return to Madrid where he's happiest so why can't Sam?

Home is where the heart is and it seems that home for Eto'o is Italy. Good luck to him. Great goal against Chelsea, showed passion on the field and was always talking to the younger players like Barry and Jags (Distin is a bit older than him, I think).

I think he'll do well with the slower place in Italy.

Colin Glassar
113 Posted 18/01/2015 at 14:37:12
Phil, apparently he was offered more to play in Turkey for Fenerbahce but refused. But don't let that put you off your anti-Christ crusade.
Christian Gawne
114 Posted 19/01/2015 at 12:37:46
Players come, players go. Couldn't give a monkeys to be honest. I support Everton not Eto'o. Que Sera Sera.
Peter Roberts
115 Posted 19/01/2015 at 13:09:04
For some reason, it appears that a great player leaving the club means it is all down to Martinez...

Let's be honest he wouldn't be the first player to go into a club and give it the big ones trying to run the show. But nah, it's all because Eto'o is a top manager in waiting and Roberto Martinez is a clown.

Andrew Ellams
116 Posted 19/01/2015 at 13:58:20
He's happy; it's no great loss to us, player-wise, so not sure why all the fuss. Let's hope Roberto has somebody on his radar, he has two weeks 10 hours and counting...
Colin Glassar
117 Posted 19/01/2015 at 15:34:20
He signs tomorrow and is taking a 40% pay cut to play in Italy. Good luck Samuel. You will be up there with the likes of Gazza and Ginola.
Kevin Rowlands
118 Posted 19/01/2015 at 16:03:59
I read from a usually reliable source on twitter that he was poison in the dressing room, gong as far to give other players advice to get out of the club to better their careers etc, good riddance if true, does make you wonder why we signed him in the first place though.
Ian McDowell
119 Posted 19/01/2015 at 16:58:08
Looked class when he played. Pity really as I was really excited after we signed him and Lukaku. Felt he was under used and should have been given far more opportunities given that we are struggling. Hope we can bring someone else in. Maybe Ings in the summer on a free.
Phil Walling
120 Posted 21/01/2015 at 14:00:17
Well, it's taken well over £1M to convince Sam he's no midfielder - although he didn't want to be one in the first place !

I hope BK and Elstone are impressed with how carefully Roberto spends Everton's money.


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