FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.02.2007 13:37

Eto'o - the centre of attention

The reappearance of Samuel Eto'o after four months out injured was the big news story of the weekend. The Cameroon international was the centre of attention for journalists and friends alike at the end of the Sunday's game.

The FC Barcelona striker said that he felt a great happiness as his described his feelings on the day of his long-awaited comeback. Barça's number '9' played 9 minutes of Sunday's game : "I felt good. I didn't have time to think, I just wanted to get playing. I wasn't afraid, if you are afraid then are far more likely to get injured again."

Eto'o also made a point of emphasising the work of his team mates "I'm very happy with the team's performance. I'll settle for the attitude we had tonight. A few games back we didn't have that attitude but today I saw a Barça team to make us dream." Finally, The african striker revelaed that he and coach Rikjaard had a earlier chat in which they agreed that the player would play "between 10 and 15 minutes".

After the Barça-Osasuna game, various other players spoke to the media. Below are some of the most note worthy contributions of the Barcelona players :

Andrés Iniesta

"It was a difficult match. We already knew that they are strong at home and would pressurise us. But the lesson we take is that there are always games like this and we must keep working to improve ourselves."
"As I said in the press conference this week, I've always played in midfield but when I have to play in another position, I try to do the best I can. It's not a problem for me."

Rafa Marquez

"They were well organised at the back. The team worked well defensively. A draw in this stadium against this team is important"
"I finished the game with a bit of cramp"

José Edmílson

"The return of Samuel is a great lift to the Barça fans, the members and also for us because he is a very important player in this team."
"I think in today's game it was difficult to score. But remember, against Celta and Gimnastic we scored six goals - there is no need to panic."
"With Marquez in midfield we tried to improve things and try to open up play a bit better."

Oleguer

"Osasuna are quite an aggressive team and they try to stop our creative play in midfield. It's not easy to win here and that's shown by the years we've been coming here without a victory. We're not happy with the draw but it's not a step backwards especially if you look at the results of our rivals."
"I don't like to consider myself first choice or not. It's a big squad. I can't relax. Before they asked me to do a different job and now they see me as another wing-back, so my job is both in defence and attack."

Deco

"The most important thing is to give a good impression. You've always liked our style of play but now it seems you don't like it as much. But most important of all is what we think."
"It's important that we are the team that scores and doesn't concede goals. If we continue like that and with that mentality then we will keep on improving."
"The pitch today wasn't great. In general we controlled the game but its seem we are missing a little of the instinct we had before. A point is never enough. The intention is always to win. The attitude of the team was excellent. We've seen a very compact team today."
"It's not easy for any team to win. Many teams have had a tough time here and lost."

Xavi

"It's a pity. The team did enough to deserve the three points and we dominated. The draw is not a bad result. We created chances but they we tight at the back. If we keep playing like that the ball will go in. They are a combative and aggressive team. In the second half we dominated more."
"The return of Samuel is a great boost for everybody. He gives us something extra and we need him."

Valdés

"El Reyno de Navarra is a difficult place to come. Osasuna fought well and we can leave with our heads held high."
"At least the weekend wasn't all bad. We now must start thinking about the next game and continue working as we have been doing up to now"
"Eto'o was happy before and after the game. He came on highly motivated, he was already motivated before the start. I wish him the best and hope he helps us like he always does."