Inter legend Samuel Eto’o questions Jorginho’s importance for Italy and names Alessandro Bastoni as his favourite Italian player.
The former Nerazzurri star spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of tonight’s Coppa Italia Final, sharing his thoughts on Italian football as well. The Azzurri have failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cups and some suggest that the reason for the national team’s flop is that there are too many foreign footballers in Serie A. What’s his view on the matter?
“What’s the name of that Chelsea guy… Jorginho! Well, do Italy need him? Is he important? Foreign footballers aren’t a problem, but we can’t accept certain things when they are favourable and reject them other times,” said Eto’o.
“Jorginho has Brazilain roots, correct? So why are there distinctions when it comes to calling young, black players?”
Jorginho missed two decisive penalty kicks against Switzerland during the World Cup qualification group, but was pivotal to winning Euro 2020 and was named in the Team of The Tournament following Italy’s triumph at Wembley Stadium.
Who is the Italian player Eto’o likes the most?
“Bastoni…Mamma Mia! He has a huge personality,” he said.
What’s his view on tonight’s Final and would he suggest Paulo Dybala join Inter in the summer?
“Finals are not meant to be played, but won,” the former Barcelona and Chelsea star said.
“The result will make the difference. Inter players need to be prepared and I can only wish them good luck.
“Every important player must join Inter sooner or later and Dybala is more than important.
“Lautaro has done crucial things for Inter and I hope he will continue to do so in the future. I wish him a great career here with us, without injuries. Hopefully, he can make us happy in the Final.”
Eto’o spent two seasons at Inter, winning the treble under José Mourinho in 2009-10. He has organised a charity football match at San Siro on May 23, featuring some legends of the game such as Leo Messi, Francesco Totti and Andrea Pirlo.
Eto'o: "#Inter, tifo per te. Serve una notte da guerrieri" #CoppaItalia https://t.co/aU86iavFFz
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) May 10, 2022
The Italy midfield trio going forward should be Pellegrini-Tonali-Barella, or Locatelli-Tonali-Barella.
Barella Fagioli Frattesi Locatelli Miretti Pellegrini Pobega Ricci Rovella Tonali Verratti ect ect so i would say no, he was good at the euros and before but time to go now
He’s being very rude.
They don’t need him for penalties, that’s for sure.
In all seriousness, time to go with the other midfielders with quality in his place – namely Tonali.
Well his great grandfather was Italian, which distinguishes him from the black players he is talking about. It is not a colour issue.
Time to move on
Can Eto’o name a black player that he feels is being left out of the Italy team unjustly? Because unless he can with a intelligent football discussion I’m calling BS.
Some may say Mario Balotelli. OK.
Before his devastating injury was Ogbonna over at West Ham a better option than Chiellini/ Bonucci?
Is Destiny Udogie ready for the NT? Not even close.
So who exactly are these black players that Eto’o refers too?
Seems to me like he is race-baiting.