Inside Eto’o’s forgotten Everton spell when ‘gift from gods’ refused to warm up

Samuel Eto'o was once one of the finest players on the planet – a clinical striker who starred for Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea.

And so, in 2014, when he rocked up at Goodison Park, Everton fans thought they had won the jackpot. Then 33, the veteran goal machine had been brought in as a backup option for hotshot Romelu Lukaku – who was currently leading the Everton line.

And the early signs were good, after he bagged a brace against Burnley, boss Roberto Martinez gushed over the striker. “To have Samuel here is like a gift from the footballing gods.

"To have someone of his experience is the perfect ingredient for our young players, the way he’s been training and working to a perfect fitness peak has been of pristine professionalism."

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“He comes in every day wanting to work and does it with style, which is something everyone can learn from. He has a massive influence on those around him.”

However, senior figures at Goodison had urged caution when talks opened with Eto'o, saying that high profile players – whatever their age – wouldn't accept sitting on the bench. And as the Toffees' form nosedived, that's where the Cameroonian found himself.

Martinez's side finally got a win under their belts against QPR, but Eto'o hadn't played, and he wasn't impressed. He had been instructed to warm up by Martinez – but refused. "I am Eto'o. I am Eto'o," he barked back at the Catalan.

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After a quick conversation with Lukaku, Eto'o did eventually warm up, and he played the final 13 minutes. But the damage was done.

The striker's Everton's career spun out of control, and he clashed with Martinez, who criticised his attitude problems. And reports suggested he even hijacked a team talk after one particularly poor Premier League display from the Blues.

The "gift from the football gods" had become a burden, and when January came around, Eto'o was shown the door.

He left with a whimper after only netting four times in 20 appearances, and reappeared in Italy with Sampdoria – where it was soon reported he had refused to take part in a double training session.

Yet Martinez had nothing but praise for the Cameroonian after he left: "We thank Samuel for his efforts and for bringing his know-how to the team. He has passed on some of his terrific experiences to all of the young players."

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