Eto’o not for sale, says Antalyaspor chief

ISTANBUL: Antalyaspor’s former Cameroon international striker Samuel Eto’o is not for sale, the Turkish club’s chairman said Saturday, ending months of speculation over a move within Turkey or overseas.

Persistent speculation linking Eto’o with a move to last season’ s Super Lig champions Besiktas heightened last week when Eto’o was seen training with the Istanbul side during their camp in Antalya.

Meanwhile there had also been talk of a move for the much- travelled player back to England, where Hull City were reported to be interested.

But Antalyaspor club chairman Ali Safak Ozturk said the club had decided to hold on to Eto’o.

“Great targets are only achieved with great deeds and people,” he said, quoted by the Fan a ti ks ports website.

“There has been various gossip about a transfer for Eto’o. We talked to the good people of our city and decided not to sell our captain, whatever happens.”

In a bizarre exchange with Eto’o at the club, he asked the player “Do you love Antalyaspor? Are you staying?” Eto’o replied “Yes” on both occasions, Fanatik said.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea star had moved to Antalyaspor in June 2015 as the keystone of the bid of the club from the southern Mediterranean resort city to find national and even European success.

But success has been hard to come by even with the big name and highly- paid star and the club are currently wall owing mid-table in ninth.

He was also dropped in September after apparently accusing the club of racism on social media but then reinstated.