FCBARCELONA.CAT

26.07.2009 18:13

Thank you, Samuel

Roger Bogunyà

The third highest goalscorer in Barça is leaving. But he can walk out the front door after five years at the club, winning almost everything on offer including last year’s memorable treble.

It is time to say goodbye and thank you to Samuel. The Cameroonian striker, came to the club from Mallorca and is now headed for Inter Milan. In his five seasons, he has scored 130 official goals, making him the third highest goalscorer the club has ever had. Only César (235) and Kubala (196) top his record.

Important goals

Eto’o will never be forgotten, not only for his character and dedication, but also his goals, many of which have proven decisive. Whenever called upon, he would respond, as he did in the final in Paris against Arsenal, where he scored the equaliser, or in Rome, where he opened the scoring against Man United (2-0).

Eight titles

Those goals meant two Champions league titles for Barça (2005/06 and 2008/09). But they were not the only wins for Eto’o in his time at the Camp Nou. He was also involved in the conquest of two leagues (2004/05, 2005/06 and 2008/09), a Copa del Rey (2008/09) and two Spanish Super Cups (2005/06 and 2006/07).

On an individual level, he was also top league goalscorer in 2005/06.

Setting standards

Samuel Eto’o came to Barça when Frank Rijkaard was manager. He was always a regular starter, playing both midweek and at weekends, and producing a constant flow of goals. He totalled 130 in 199 official outings, and average of 0.65 a match. Whether under Rijkaard or Guardiola, the African was always the main target man for all five years.

Exemplary attitude

His goals were the result of his tremendous attitude. He never stop wanting to win more and more. His winning spirit and the huge demands he made of himself drove him though difficult situations, such as serious injuries that affected his seasons in 2006/07 (when he was injured against Bremen) and 2007/08 (when he was injured in the Gamper, against his future club Inter). But on both occasions he marked his return in the best possible way – by scoring goals.

To bid farewell, he also scored for Barça in the Champions League final and in the last game of the league season, at Riazor. Thank you, Samuel.