I have nothing to prove, says Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o after Jose Mourinho jibe

I did okay for a 37-year-old, jokes star
27 February 2014

Samuel Eto'o spoke out today after Jose Mourinho appeared to criticise Chelsea’s ­strikers and controversially sparked a debate about the Cameroon ­international’s age.

The Chelsea manager made his comments during a private conversation at a sponsors’ event last week but they were broadcast by Canal+.

Mourinho branded the French TV station a “disgrace” for leaking the footage, insisting he was joking when he said: “The problem with Chelsea is I lack a scorer. I have Eto’o but he is 32 years old, maybe 35, who knows?”

The row clouded the build up to last night’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray with former Cameroon coach Claude Le Roy claiming Eto’o had been left “very annoyed”.

After the 1-1 draw in Turkey, the striker defended his reputation and told L’Equipe: “To disturb me, it takes a lot more, I’m Samuel Eto’o… And luckily I still score goals at 35, 36 years old, right?

“To score three goals against Manchester United [last month], I think for a long time no Chelsea player has done that. At 36 or 37 years, I did. I remain Samuel Eto’o, I will stay at my place and I will not answer.

“I came to the club largely thanks to Jose because we were friends. Now, there are things that happen in life, we must face but it does not change the player I am, the career I have.

“And then what do you want me to say? I create a problem in the locker room saying all my thoughts? I want us to go as far as possible in this competition, and calm. I’m not getting any younger. Certain statements, I do not necessarily have the right to make.

“I do not have to explain anything. I triumphed with all the teams I played for, I’m the player I am and I want to help Chelsea to win a cup this season.

“This was a good result for us. In the return leg, however, we must be very careful and take advantage of the home advantage. We need a goal to qualify.”

Eto’o has scored eight times since joining in the summer but it was another striker, Fernando Torres, who gave Chelsea the lead in this last-16 tie.

Galatasaray v Chelsea - player ratings

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The second leg on March 18 will see Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba play against his former club at Stamford Bridge for the first time.

Mourinho expects him to get the “greatest reception” but the 35-year-old will do all he can to knock Chelsea out of the Champions League.

“It’s going to be nice, but it will not affect my game,” said Drogba. “As much as I love this club, right now I am wearing the Galatasaray jersey and I have to respect the club, the fans so I will give everything for them.

“After the game I will show my emotions. We have to believe it’s possible to go through.”

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