Samuel Eto’o believes that Anzhi Makhachkala could launch a sensational bid to sign Lionel Messi from Barcelona.
“Why not Leo?” Eto’o. “Here, nothing is impossible.
The 30-year-old striker made waves in the summer when he decided to leave Serie A giants Inter in order to join the big-spending side and the former Barca striker is now reportedly the world’s highest-earning player.
Eto’o expects that many more big names will follow him to Russia in the near future, claiming that his side now has the pulling power to attract the very best.
“Lots of players call me,” he told France Football. “You would be surprised at their names.
“A few years ago, when a player was having difficulties with his club, they would be linked with Chelsea. Now, they are linked with Anzhi,” Eto’o said.
A move for Messi would seem unlikely, given the Argentine’s repeated commitment to Barca, but Eto’o says anything is possible at his ambitious new club.
“The owner [Suleyman Kerimov] can buy who he likes, although the player must also want to come here – and that is one of his missions,” said Eto’o.
“I just reply to players who want to know about it here and give some clues to the owners from time to time.”
Eto’o also revealed his ideal XI for Anzhi, choosing former Camp Nou teammates Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Victor Valdes and Ronaldinho in his perfect side.
“Messi is obligatory,” he said. “[I would also have] Xavi and Iniesta, because they play great football, and Ronaldinho for his magic.”
Eto’o also named himself in the team, along with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, Cameroon teammate Geremi, Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra and Inter defender Lucio.
