Not only was this a bit of an eyebrow-raiser because most had effectively written Samuel Etoo off as a top-flight footballer following his financially-driven decision to relocate to Russia in 2011, but it also highlighted just how quickly words can be forgotten in this game. While former Liverpool manager and Blues interim boss Rafa Benitez was an example of someone who Chelsea supporters never let forget what he said about them, subjecting him to a torrent of boos on his first game in charge, Samuel Etoo was given a much lighter reprieve.
''I have no interest in signing for Chelsea. Never will I sign for a team trained by Mourinho. He wrecked things completely with his behaviour surrounding the two games between our sides. I insist Barca boss Frank Rijkaard is the better coach despite however many titles the Portuguese has won. Now my dream is to play Chelsea again because I have many things to resolve with them. I am a better player than Didier Drogba and Mourinho knows that, and I am going to score more goals than Henry. - Samuel Etoo, April 2005.
Little did the Cameroonian know, however, that when tempers died down, he would play under Mourinho for two sides, including the west London outfit. It seemed like a strange move on Mourinhos behalf, to move in the market for a 32 year old who had spent the previous two seasons in Russia with Anzhi Makhachkala, considering he had a fit and hungry 20 year old Romelu Lukaku within his ranks.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
