Doha, July 21 (QNA) - African football legend Samuel Eto'o, former Cameroonian national team star and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Ambassador, revealed his aspirations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to witness the brilliance of many stars, wishing that the teams representing the African continent would appear with an honorable appearance.
In an interview to Qatar 2022 website and talking about the gold medal-winning team for Cameroon at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 Eto'o said: " It was an incredible feeling, especially because we had some difficulties during the tournament. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you again to all my teammates, my "fellow soldiers", during this tournament. Because it was really tough but in the end we won the gold medal by beating Spain despite trailing by two goals to nil in the final. I thought I had scored the winning goal in the last few seconds of extra-time but the flag went up for offside. Thankfully, we won the penalty shootout 5-3 to win the first ever Olympic gold medal in any sport for Cameroon. To have the privilege to be part of such a historic moment for my country at an early stage in my career was really special and something I will never forget." Eto'o added about his team match against Brazil: " Brazil had a great team with players such as Ronaldinho and were the favourites to win the tournament. Not many people fancied us to beat Brazil, but we always believed, even when we had two players sent off, meaning we played extra time with just nine players. In the second half of extra time, Modeste Mbami scored the winning goal that sent us through to the next round and kept our dream of creating history alive. I will always remember the moment when Modeste scored. We all began to run after him to celebrate. While eight or nine of us all chased after him, the Brazilians put the ball back in the center circle, believing the match would continue. But the game was over and we had qualified with the golden goal. To win an Olympic gold medal was really special and is something I will always treasure." When asked about the Olympics in Tokyo, Eto'o went on saying:" Anyone who is passionate about sport will naturally follow the Olympic Games. It is a major sporting competition and those who love sport will not miss it. I will be watching the athletics, swimming there are so many sports to follow. The Olympics is the pinnacle for sport in general. For footballers we all want to be at a World Cup, which is the biggest event for us, but for other sports, its all about the Olympic Games.
He added: "The football tournament at the Olympics will always have a special place in my heart having won the tournament with Cameroon in 2000. With the teams restricted to using mostly players that are under 23, it is a great opportunity to develop younger players and give them an opportunity to represent their country at a major international tournament. The Olympics has helped create many stars of the future so I will of course be watching in the hope that we see some exciting young players make a name for themselves. I am looking forward to seeing Ivory Coast, South Africa and Egypt, who will be representing Africa. Hopefully they can perform well and do their countries proud at the tournament." Talking about the World Cup in Qatar he pointed out: "I have no doubt that it will be the most beautiful World Cup ever organised. And I have one wish to witness a final featuring Cameroon versus Qatar for a once-in-a-lifetime experience." Noting: "I would encourage everyone to come to Qatar for this special tournament. We have so much to offer here and I hope fans dont miss the chance to visit and watch two matches a day in the group stage. That is something so unique that they can tell their grandchildren thats if they dont bring their grandchildren with them! There are so many beautiful places to visit here in Doha. Fans can have an amazing holiday while also following their passion, football. The weather in December in Qatar is usually around 20 degrees, so it will be perfect conditions for the players, but also for the fans, who Im sure will have an amazing time exploring Qatar during the tournament." Asked about his perfect day in Qatar, he concluded by saying: "Its a day like today. I wake up, I do some work, then later maybe I will go to Souq Al Wakrah. I go all the time for the amazing scents and sensations. When people recognize me they are like What is he doing here? but I love that place. Then I love to spend my evenings at Katara. I like the restaurants up high on Katara Hills where you have an amazing, peaceful view and can enjoy the sunset." (QNA)