Arsene
admiration
Barcelona superstar Samuel Eto'o has stated his deep admiration for
Arsene Wenger, whilst confirming he has had the chance to join
Arsenal in the past.
The Gunners were keen on signing the Cameroon international in
2004, but Los Cules managed to secure his signature after some
intense negotiating with Real Madrid and Real Mallorca - who both
had rights over the exemplary striker.
Eto'o has since shown Wenger exactly what he missed out on by
scoring Barca's equaliser in their victorious UEFA Champions League
final clash against Arsenal in 2006.
Whilst Eto'o is proud to be plying his trade at Camp Nou, the
reigning African Player of the Year admits he would have relished
the chance to work under Wenger in North London.
"I love Arsene Wenger, he is one of the best coaches in the world,"
Eto'o told L'Equipe.
"I could have played for Arsenal some years ago, I would have loved
to have had Arsene Wenger as my coach.
"In the end I am at Barca and I am proud to wear that shirt."
Eto'o is also a great admirer and a close friend of Gunners captain
Thierry Henry and still rues the day the French star chose to
remain at Arsenal rather than move to Catalunya over the
summer.
"If Titi would have come to Barcelona, people would have seen how
two real friends have fun in a stadium," Eto'o added.
"I dreamt about that, to be a partner with him in attack.
"Titi chose to stay in England and I am happy for his coach,
butÂ…"