Massimo Ferrero says Sampdoria's Samuel Eto'o 'gave no signs' of wanting to leave, while clarifying on Antonio Cassano.
The patron of the Blucerchiati unexpectedly joined the Press conference in which Walter Zenga was presented as the club's new Coach, and he took the opportunity to reassure fans that Eto'o was not on the way out.
“He's a Samp player and he still has one year in his contract, so what's the problem?” said Ferrero.
Massimo Ferrero says Sampdoria's Samuel Eto'o 'gave no signs' of wanting to leave, while clarifying on Antonio Cassano.
The patron of the Blucerchiati unexpectedly joined the Press conference in which Walter Zenga was presented as the club's new Coach, and he took the opportunity to reassure fans that Eto'o was not on the way out.
“He's a Samp player and he still has one year in his contract, so what's the problem?” said Ferrero.
“He's someone who can boast a thing or two in the world of football.
“He has a great responsibility towards himself and the others, because he's a champion. Thankfully, he's a Sampdoria player too.
“If I say what our intentions are, those who are leaving will lose value while those we're interested will go up in price.
“We've already made some moves. Many forget about [Edgar] Barreto, [Niklas] Moisander and [Federico] Bonazzoli, who reinforce the team.
“As for Eto'o, in football you cannot guarantee anything, but he is very fond of me.
“I'll just say one thing, that I'm fond of people rather than professions.
“He's a man of great depth and great humility. If he chooses to leave, he will.
“But he gave me no signs that he'll leave.”
The President was then asked about Antonio Cassano, whom he previously warned not to be 'naughty' should he join Sampdoria.
“Let's clarify, because you're doing my head in talking about Cassano.
“When I sign someone, it's not like I'm expecting them to do everything I tell them to.
“Of course the final word is mine, but as I'm doing now with Zenga, I bring some suggestions and so does he and then we share them.
“If everybody has their say, then we can reach a compromise that will be best for the club.
“Zenga? He must entertain his President every Sunday. I want to win, and if I lose, I want there to be some beautiful football.
“As for [former Coach Sinisa] Mihajlovic's statement that his successors always fare worse, I said to him: what on earth are you talking about?
“But I wasn't angry. This year, at the first opportunity, you'll see 2-0 for Zenga versus Sinisa.”
Finally, Ferrero was asked for a word about the alleged legal trouble with UEFA that could exclude Sampdoria from the Europa League.
“I'm worried about nothing because I've done nothing wrong.”
“I've always said that justice must know fair play.
“Why should I be worried? Torino managed to go, we'll go as well.
“If they want to ask us anything, we're more than available. I have no worries at all.”