FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.08.2008 23:57

"The fans have shown Eto’o affection"

Vanessa Forns

Joan Laporta was pleased with the affection that the Barcelona supporters showed Samuel Eto'o after the forward netted two goals in the team's emphatic Champions League win against Wisla Krakow on Wednesday evening.

The Blaugrana president was impressed with the way the Cameroonian goalscorer showed why the decision to keep him at the club was made when he netted a brace in the 4-0 victory. Xavi Hernández and Thierry Henry also scored, but Eto'o won the adoration of the home fans for his impressive performance.

Strong character

"The supporters have welcomed Eto'o back into their affections," Laporta told Barça TV after the game. "They recognised his character and what he did." Reflecting on Henry's contribution and his fantastic goal, the Barça supremo was pleased that the goals were coming from all areas. "They have the responsibility to score the goals because they are the players who do that for Barça."

Impressive football

Laporta admitted that he was impressed with the display over all as he explained: "We began well and the team showed their own brand of football that we have been playing throughout pre-season."

Even though the team have recorded a convincing scoreline, Laporta is hopeful that the second leg will be just as impressive in Poland in two weeks time. "We would like another good result in order to boost our confidence ahead of the Champions League."

Boca in the Gamper

Looking ahead to the weekend, Laporta called upon supporters to go along to Camp Nou on Saturday to see Barça take on Boca Juniors in the 43rd edition of the Trofeo Joan Gamper. "It will be a festival for the fans and I would like all supporters to come along,2 he said. "The team has been renewed and a new era has begun so the players need to know that the support is there."