"THERE'S A DEAL WITH MORATTI. TOGETHER AND HAPPY, BUT IF..."
The player's agent reveals the agreement with the president of Inter.
"Samuel stays in black and blue. Will only evaluate an big offer."
Pinzolo - A friend even before he became his agent. One can be trusted and when Samuel Eto'o trusts you, it will be a lot of trust. From his earliest days in Italy, Claudio Vigorelli accompanied Samuel Eto'o to the inside out of Inter and the city of Milan: a relationship that was born and grew when Vigorelli worked with Jose Maria Mesalles, then the agent of the Cameroonian, and in time, their relationship strengthens to make Vigorelli the representative of the central striker when the road between Samu and the Spanish (Mesalles) was divided. The roads between Eto'o and Inter are still greatly intact. During these first days of training camp, the man who scored 37 goals last season was not only the center of gravity of the team but around the world. It was a big story and when unforeseen upheavals may change, it is Vigorelli who knows the most hidden truths.
During their coffee time last week in Milan, at the table there were Moratti and Eto'o... What was said?
"When Eto'o was still a player of Barcelona, when he wanted to talk it was always a direct conversation with the president and he hasn't stopped doing so because this is ideal situation for him, a bond that goes far beyond a simple relationship between a director and a player. It is full of trust, affection and when they have something to say, they will speak to each other looking to the eyes of each others."
And this time what did Eto'o have to say?
"Eto'o wanted to confirm to the president Moratti that it was the president to decide and not him. In today's football, players are almost always decide, especially those who are important but not in the case of Samuel. For him, the opposite of that is true for him."
But it is also true that president Moratti is somewhat the opposite in terms of imposing the decisions.
"The fact is that Eto'o and Moratti have always said that they would consider any situation together: and this time is no different."
So did Eto'o get to hear what he wanted to hear?
"To Samuel, he likes to hear that Inter are happy and proud of him as a player. And it is the same thing that he told Moratti because the truth is this: Eto'o and Inter are happily together. This is their little pact: unless by the end of August, things don't change."
What could change?
"It may happen that Inter could receive a great offer for Eto'o which until now there hasn't been. Inter will not seek for it and also Eto'o will not push for it to arrive but in football no one can rule out 100% of what is going to happen no matter what."
And in that case?
"In that case, the president and Samuel will take another cup of coffee together and then we'll see."
And what if that coffee takes him to a contract extension?
"It's just a hypothesis, perhaps even a common desire but everything has its time so we will see later. Samuel has a contract until 2014 and it is clear that that day he and Inter will bind even longer to a contract that looks a lot like it for life."
And in the meantime?
"At Pinzolo, Samuel is spending more than half an hour each day to sign autographs and taking pictures with the Inter fans. And I see him very happy: when Samuel does something he always smiles, it means that he feels good."
To the fans, he is the new emblem of Inter.
"For him, love is everything and in fact the thing he cares about the most is to be loved: on the field by his teammates as well as his fans on and off the field."
And instead of love, what if he has another clash with racism in Milan again?
"There is little to do but he would be a little bit disappointed because he has an uncommon sensitivity."
But have Inter risked losing him for this? Was he tempted to leave at some point?
"I though for a moment but in the end no. He is the one who fights in some cases and deals with the situations. He wants the challenges that he doesn't like and he doesn't run away from them either."
What is his challenge with Inter?
"I have never seen a player that can never be satisfied like Samuel. The day after lifting a trophy, he was already planning for the next objective. He and Inter are already tuned in and ready to win even more so than last year. If it were up to him, it would be the Champions League. But first, the Italian Super Cup."
Also because two years ago in China, he played and scored a goal but lost.
"A good opportunity to take revenge: but he wants more than just making up for that cup defeat against Lazio. I know that he is planning to bounce back from last year with Milan."
And to think of the Golden Ball?
"I think so but he doesn't say. More than anything I always tease him and ask him: 'So when are we going to Paris to take it?'"
Is Gasperini the right coach for Eto'o?
"To Samuel, first and foremost, he likes a coach that speaks clearly. Here I think that from this point of view, Gasperini is not going to be a problem."
What about problems to his role?
"Samuel has always been available to any coach and team. Last year, he asked only one thing and that was not playing him too far away from the goal and I think he was right. For the rest, he will do whatever it takes."
What has he said about Alvarez: the man who could even help Eto'o to score more goals?
"We haven't talked about this yet but Samuel always wants to be familiar with a teammate before giving his opinion. But one thing I want to say that he is very happy that Inter are focusing on younger players. He always wants to help youngsters and talks to me about the progress of Obi and the hope of Santon's revival..."
How is his preparation going?
"Last night I asked him how he's doing and he said: 'Dead tired but that's fine, I'm happy." And Samuel does not tell me lies."
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(though Eto'o is such an exceptional case he might not even slow down that much at the age of 33 or so when his current contract ends).
