The striker branded the Blues boss as a “fool” and a “puppet” following comments made about his age while at Stamford Bridge, but now says he owes him a debt of gratitude
Samuel Eto’o insisted that he has no issue with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho after being unveiled as an Everton player on Wednesday.
The Cameroonian labelled the Blues boss as a “fool” and a “puppet” after the Portuguese made a comment regarding the striker’s age during his spell at Stamford Bridge last season.
The 33-year-old joined Everton on a two-year deal after much speculation over his future and could make his debut against Chelsea on Saturday, but insisted at his first press conference as a Toffees player that he does not hold any ill-will towards Mourinho.
“The only thing I have to say about Jose is to thank him,” Eto’o told reporters.
“It’s down to him that I had the opportunity to be accepted and integrated into the Premier League and I want to thank him for that.
“I’m not particularly concerned that it’s against my [old] team [on Saturday]. The important thing is to integrate into my new team-mates’ way of playing and get ready for that match.
“If I don’t feature it’s just important to get ready.”
Eto’o revealed that he had many options after leaving Stamford Bridge, but that Everton boss Roberto Martinez made the biggest impression on him.
“In the last 10 days I’ve travelled quite a lot and spoken with quite a few managers. I’m nearer the end of my career and I wanted to fit in where my contribution will be valued.” said Eto’o.
“Over the course of those travels the most inspiring and the person that said my contribution will be valued was Roberto.”