Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon and Inter Milan

Q : How would you compare your style with Didier Drogba?

ETO’O : Oh, I don’t compare my style with Didier. He’s another great African player, who does good things for Africa. On the contrary, we get on well and both of us help to define Africa’s image. I believe that it is a shame that people try and compare us with each other, but, it’s not the Africans doing it, because we, the Africans, we have to protect those who present the image… or those who promote Africa’s image in Europe, like Didier, Michael and lots of others such as myself.

Q: You’ve played in Spain, now Italy, what does it mean to come back to Africa and hear the fans cheer for you?

ETO’O : It is an honour for me to play all the time in African stadia. I believe that my dearest … dearest dream is always to return. Every time I go away, I tell myself “Samuel, when will you come back?” And every time I come back, I really enjoy it. Yesterday, despite the fact we lost, you can see that, here, where I live in Africa, people are proud to see me again. I can use the occasion to tell the spectators that I have to thank them for their welcome yesterday in the stadium. And, yesterday, I couldn’t score, I tried to do my best but that depends on how you see it; I hope we will be luckier on Sunday. I hope I’ll score and I hope that I’ll be able to put my team-mates in better positions so that they can score.

Q: How does the captaincy affect the way you play the game?

ETO’O : For a few years now, I’ve been captain of this team. Now, the coach just wants me to wear the armband during the match, but I used to be captain and I see the match in the same way: I am always positive and I try to do my best for my team-mates so that we are all the best, because life is like that, football, is an education. And we have the opportunity to pass things on to the younger ones so that they can do the same tomorrow.

Q: You’re wearing the Africa Unity kit. How important is a United Africa?

ETO’O : By wearing this shirt, we are all united, we are all African, before we are from Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana etc. And I hope that this spirit will continue into the World Cup, because in our World Cup an African country needs to progress as far as possible, to be able to win the cup or Africa. I would like it to be Cameroon, it could be another African country, because I am African before I am Cameroonian.

Q: You’ve been drawn in the same World Cup group as the Netherlands, do you think they’re your main rivals to qualify from the qualifying group?

ETO’O : No, all those who have qualified demand the same respect and I think all the matches will be… we will go into them in the same way. We are honest, we know that we can take three points from Japan, hmm… we will give ourselves the same opportunity against Holland and will look at the matches in the same way.

Q: How have you found playing in Italy? It’s famous for its great defensive players, are you finding it more difficult than Spain?

ETO’O : Oh, in Spain, there were a lot of great defenders, really a lot. In Italy, I wondered how it would work, with the football, because in Italy, the defences rules, but up to now, and given the matches I have been able to play with my team, hmm well, it’s… it’s more positive than not.

Q: And to have been drawn against Chelsea, in the Champions League, would you say that they are the favourites to win that?

ETO’O : Oh, no. It’s the quarter finals; it’s a shame, because I would like to have played Chelsea a little later, but, yes, we are playing a very, very good team, a great team. They will be thinking the same thing, we have to wait, we still have a lot of time. The first match is next month, I think.  We have to be ready for it.

Q: How would you describe your relationship with José Mourinho?

ETO’O : Yesterday I saw, before the start of the match he was encouraging me and I sent him a text to tell him that I knew that he watches matches, even in the Eighth Division. We have a very, very good relationship and I really need that after all the problems I have had, as regards to my departure from Barcelona. I’ve found someone: a big brother, a coach and a friend… We talk, we exchange views and there you are.

Q: How important is his inside knowledge about Chelsea going to be?

ETO’O : I can’t say!

Q: Last question: you’ve played in Spain, you’ve played in Italy, have you considered coming to play in the Premiere League?

ETO’O : I had the opportunity to sign for an English club in the summer, but I preferred to go to Italy and especially to Inter , because they had the coach I wanted and a President who really wanted me, although the English club, the chairman wanted me and the coach, I never dreamed of it and what’s more, I really like it at Inter but the future is sometimes full of surprises.

Eboué, Ivory Coast & Arsenal

Q: Can Arsenal win this year?

EBOUÉ: Yes, why not?  I think so, I really think when you play football if you don’t believe in yourself it’s not worth playing. I believe that with the team we have if we continue to dig deep and continue to play like we are doing at the moment, I think we could win it.

Q: But, do you think that it could be said that Chelsea and Man. United are the strongest?

EBOUÉ: Yes, you know, it’s always like that but I can tell you that the English championship is very strange. If you lose a match, perhaps you will drop down the league; and if you win one match you could be in the top ten. It’s a championship, which is at the moment very volatile and I personally think that there is every possibility we can win it.

Q: And what is your opinion of Arsène Wenger; you’ve been working with him for some time now.

EBOUÉ: Ah!  You know, me, personally, I feel at ease with him, because now I am coming up for my sixth year, that will be six years I have been with him, so, I know him very well. Well, he’s a good man.  He has helped me. I am on the same wavelength as him and, then, when I have problems, he is always there for me and I think that he is an honest man. If he likes something, he tells you directly and he’s someone, who also loves his players, he loves us a lot, because he is always there for us, at difficult times, he’s always there for us and me, frankly I am happy to be with him, you know.

Q: Do you think Arsène Wenger’s plans to invest and use young players are working for the club at this moment?

EBOUÉ: This is what Arsène Wenger does, he isn’t stupid, he is someone who really likes the young lads and, me, I think that each to his own. Everyone has their own way of seeing things. Perhaps there are certain people who say that there are too many youngsters in the team. Yes, effectively, there are too many young lads in the team, but, we have been playing together for years now and we know each other very, very well and I, I never go against what he chooses.

Q: And, what is your view on the next round of the Champions League against Porto?

EBOUÉ: [LAUGHS] We are used to playing this team and, so, we know them well and… you know, when you get through the first round of the Champions League, the second round is still difficult, because you are playing against other big teams, so I think it’s a match that won’t be easy.

Q: And who are Porto’s best players?

EBOUÉ: Porto is a very big club, so, well, if you play for Porto, I reckon you must be one of the best players. This is the team that won the Champions League in 2005. So, I think that Porto are a great team and they have some very, very good players: players who are very fast, players who play well and, anyway, they have one player who people talk about a lot because of what he does – it’s Hulk. Anyway, they play very well, because they have played together a long time. They’ve been together a long time, so, we have to be wary of this Porto team.

Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast & Chelsea

Q: Has racism reared its ugly head again in football?

DROGBA: Unfortunately, you can see it at football grounds, it’s just a reflection of society today. What’s happening at the grounds is exactly what’s happening in the towns and cities and in everyday life, unfortunately, and we have to continue to fight it; there’s nothing else to do and, well, I think that’s all we can do.

Q: Do you think it’s Chelsea’s year to win the Premier League?

DROGBA: Yea, I hope, we are leading the championship, but we have played badly at times, we have lost a lot of points, but we are still leading the championship so I think, well, I hope that this will be Chelsea’s year.

Q: And Ancelotti? What’s your opinion of Carlo Ancelotti?

DROGBA: He’s a good coach, he’s someone with a lot of experience and someone who has brought some quality into our play and has inspired confidence in our players. Well it’s good.

Q: And Manchester United? Are they your biggest rivals for the English title?

DROGBA: Manchester United, Arsenal and… and you could even say Aston Villa who are really going to cause everyone problems, but, really, I think Man.U. and Arsenal.

Q: And, for you, personally, being the leading goal scorer, is that important or not, an accolade like that?

DROGBA : It’s good, if the team win the cup at the same time … if we are the champions and I am the best marksman, yes, I would be happy, otherwise, being top scorer without winning the trophy wouldn’t be … it’s of no interest to me. I personally am happy, but football is a team game.

Q: You’ve been drawn against Portugal in the World Cup. What do you know about them?

DROGBA: Lots of things!  I have a lot of Portuguese friends, including in my team, and some very good, very, very good friends. Then, I have played plenty of times against a Portuguese team, Porto are very good, very respectful people, who are loyal, yes … I appreciate that a great deal.

Q: And who are Portugal’s players who you think could make the difference?

DROGBA: Ah, the best ones at the moment are Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco, who I like a lot. He’s a friend – I like his simplicity and the way he plays, but really, there are a lot, a lot of players, too many to mention, because there are players like Pepe, Carvalho, my friend Quaresma, José Bosingwa.

Q: The CAN and the World Cup in Africa: what will this mean to African football?

DROGBA: It would be good. I think that it will help us progress a bit more and it will make African football more visible. You have to realise that, at the moment, there are a lot of African players at the major European clubs, so … it will help football improve, it will be a good shop window of Africa, I reckon.

Q: Have you already talked to Carvalho, Deco or Paulo Ferreira about the match against Portugal; did your relationship with them change after the draw?

DROGBA: No, no, no [LAUGHS].  We wonder how it’s going to work out, but there’s a lot of respect, and I know it’s going to be very hard against Ricky, but we’ll see.

Q: Who’s your best friend in football?

DROGBA: Well … Malouda. Before, we played against each other, when I was in the second division and he was in the second division too. Afterwards, we played together at Guingamp, then he went to Lyon and I went to Marseille, before we met up again at Chelsea; our children are very close and we live near each other.

Q: Who is the hardest defender you have ever played against?

DROGBA: Ricardo Carvalho. When he is on form… I knew him, when I was at Marseille. He’s very strong. Very, very strong and, then, in training, he is very good at anticipating and everything, he’s really a very, very good player.

Q: And, Anelka, is he the best striker partner you’ve ever had?

DROGBA: Ah, at the moment, he’s the one I get on with the best. With Crespo too but at the moment it’s going really well with Anelka and when we play, we don’t calculate things, we just look up and then it’s really good.

Paul Le Guen, Cameroon Manager

Q: How much is CAN helping you prepare for the World Cup?

This competition helps me to know the players better and will be very useful to work out the squad for the World Cup. We have to try to win this competition but also prepare for the World Cup. That’s why we have some young players with us. I am trying to see if they are able to play for Cameroon in the World Cup.

The World Cup will be very difficult – just to get through the group stage. A few months ago Cameroon was the last to qualify. We are very happy to go and we have to be very ambitious but we have to be calm and we musn’t make promises to the people. Because of the way we qualified we have to be lucky, work very hard and be very humble.

Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

Do you think Ivory Coast will win the Africa Cup of Nations?
I don’t know if we can win the Africa Cup of Nations – I hope so but there are a lot of good teams who will try to stop us.

What do you think about the Africa Unity Kit?
The Africa Unity kit is a good thing as its message of a united Africa is very important as you can see by the way we supported Togo. The kit means that all the African teams can wear one colour, which will help bring us together.

What does it mean for you to have the World Cup hosted by an African nation?
It means a lot for an African nation to host the World Cup as this is the first time. It’s going to be huge. African footballers are improving; there are a lot who now play for big European clubs and who are major players for those teams. I hope it’s going to be our party and an African team can win it.
When it comes to the World Cup, if we listen to the press then it will be Portugal and Brazil who will qualify not us. But we’ll do our best and see what we can do.

Emmanuel Eboué (Arsenal)

Do you think Ivory Coast will win Africa Cup of Nations?
Some people say this is our chance to win this Africa Cup of Nations, but it’s not going to be easy because when teams play against us they defend very well. That’s why when we played against Burkina Faso it was difficult for us to score.
We are so happy that Didier Drogba has been named African Player of the Year by BBC Sport. I’m proud to know him so well and it makes me very happy that he comes from Africa.
When I play against him for Arsenal, Drogba is very difficult to mark. He is so strong and quick and he can score every way. When I play against him he tries his best to score and I try to block him but he’s so strong. I pray to God for him because when I joined the Ivory Coast team he helped me settle in. He’s like my brother.
Playing for Ivory Coast is very good now. Not like it was before when everyone played for themselves on the pitch. Now we play together as a team and when we go out we all go together. We are a very close team.

What do you think Ivory Coast’s chances are in the World Cup?
How did I feel when we were drawn in the Group of Death in the World Cup? For us we are happy to play in this World Cup. It doesn’t matter if we play Brazil or Portugal or North Korea, we are just so happy to participate.
But some people forget if you qualify for the World Cup it’s not because we gave someone money it’s because we played very well. So why shouldn’t the Ivory Coast win the World Cup? If you play football and don’t believe then you should stop playing.
It will be very significant if an African team actually wins the World Cup. It will show to the world that in Africa we have some good players and some good teams.

What are your thoughts on the Togo incident?
We were very sorry about the Togo incident. Togo are close to Ivory Coast and we are like family. I pray for the families for their loss. When I saw my friend Adebayor I feel very sad for him. It makes you think ‘this could have happened to us too’. It makes me feel terrible. I thank God that the players are well but I’m so sorry that they lost two of their team.

What do you see in the future for Arsenal?
Can Arsenal win the league? Why not? As I’ve said before if you play football and stop believing you can win you have to stop playing. I’ve been at Arsenal a long time now and I’ve always believed in this team. If we can carry on playing as we are now then we can do it.

Salomon Kalou (Chelsea)

Do you think Ivory Coast will win Africa Cup of Nations?
For us the Africa Cup of Nations is great preparation for the World Cup as it can help build our confidence as a team. We have the players and the belief to go far.

What do you think about the Africa Unity Kit?
The Africa Unity Kit is a great thing. It shows the world that Africa can stand as one people. And if teams can help show the way for the rest of Africa then we will have achieved something very valuable. To be part of that is amazing.

Aruna Dindane (Portsmouth)

Do you think Ivory Coast will win Africa Cup of Nations?
We are the favourites for the Africa Cup of Nations but it’s difficult because there is so much good competition in Africa right now so we will try to do the best we can.
The Togo situation has made the tournament very complicated but what can we do? It’s difficult to play football after such a tragedy but we’ll try to do our best. We hope we’ll never see this sort of thing again but it’s been bad for Africa and bad for the tournament. I think we must now play to forget.

DOMINIC ADIYAH, FORWARD, GHANA/AC MILAN

What do you think Ghana’s chances are in Africa Cup of Nations?
I’d like to give thanks to the Lord Almighty for giving me this life. It is a great tournament and a joyful time as far as football is concerned. We want to do something special for our nation so we want to win. Everybody wants this trophy so the competition is strong.

What is it like to have the World Cup hosted by an African nation?
It’s fantastic that Africa is hosting its first World Cup. This is a great opportunity for our continent and African players. Everybody wants to get into the team and showcase their talents to the rest of the world.

What do you think about the Africa Unity Kit?
The Africa Unity kit is a fantastic idea. When you look around it feels like Puma is bringing us together as one family.

How are feeling about signing for AC Milan?
It’s been a great time for me since I played in the 2009 Egypt Under-20 World Cup. I’ve just signed for AC Milan and I’m now looking to play at the highest level. I feel proud because so many big players have passed through this club.
I now have to build my confidence and get myself involved so I can reach that level one day. It’s a wonderful place and a great honour to play alongside the likes of Ronaldinho, Seedorf and Ambrosini.

HANS SARPEI, LEFT BACK, GHANA/BAYER LEVERKUSEN

Do you think Ghana will win Africa Cup of Nations?
We have a great team including young players who have just won the Under 20 World Cup, so I think we can do very well.

What does it mean to have the World Cup hosted by an African nation?
For Africa to finally host the World Cup for the first time is very important because it’s been everywhere else. It’s a chance for the world cup to see Africa in a different light. Also one of the African nations could win it!
Ghana has a chance of winning the World Cup. We’ll need a bit of luck to win it but we have great players, especially when everybody is fit.

What do you think about the Africa Unity Kit?
The Africa Unity kit’s message of a united Africa is very important, particularly for the kids. It’s a show of unity for the whole world to see.

ASAMOAH GYAN, FORWARD, GHANA/RENNES

What are Ghana’s chances in the Africa Cup of Nations?
This African Cup of Nations is so important for us because although we’ve won it four times, it’s been a while since we’ve lifted the cup. This generation has to do something to make Africa and Ghana proud. All Ghanaians are waiting for this moment.
You cannot predict who will be the stars of the tournament – an underdog or unknown player may come out and be a star. What is important is that we play as a team.

What do you see happening with Ghana in the World Cup?
This is the second time we’ve qualified for the World Cup. In 2006 we did so well and everybody was satisfied with our performance so now there is more expectation. Luckily this time we’ll be playing in Africa so there’ll be more African fans supporting us which will be great motivation for us.
Statistically Germany is the best in our group. Since they have done so well in world cup history everybody will expect them to win the group; but Serbia topped their qualifying group beating France so it’s not going to be easy. They have a great team and I think right now they have the best team in the group. If you look at the way they qualified – they were unbeaten.
But Ghana can be a surprise there. People may think we are underdogs but in football anything can happen. It’s not going to be an easy group but we have the quality to surprise.
This year at the Under 20 World Cup, an African team won for the first time. So in football anything can happen. It depends on our motivation, concentration and determination. We are expecting to win the World Cup. No African team has ever reached the semi-finals and that’s the minimum we want to achieve.

How do you feel about PUMA’s support of African football?
For the past year, PUMA has been supporting more African teams. They have done so well for African football. They are trying to generate something important here. We need facilities and that kind of thing and Puma has done a lot for us. I have to personally thank them for what they are doing in Africa.

CAF and adidas kick off Afro Centric Year with the Orange Africa Cup of Nations Official Match Ball: Jabulani Angola

Today, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and adidas unveil the Official Match Ball for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, continuing the celebration of football on the African continent in 2010.

16 teams will use the Jabulani Angola ball as they battle to become champions of Africa in Angola from January 10th to 31st.

Inspired by the yellow, red and black Angolan flag, the colourful and mystical design of the Jabulani Angola reflects adidas’ commitment to and passion for African football.  Angolan pride in its culture and heritage is strongly represented through this vibrant ball which is sure to be used in some inspiring football moments this coming January.

Featuring the ground-breaking Grip’n’Groove profile, the Jabulani Angola will provide the best African players with stable ball flight and perfect grip under all conditions.

Comprising only eight, thermally bonded 3-D panels, which for the first time are spherically moulded, the Jabulani Angola ball is perfectly round and even more accurate than ever before.

“After the spectacular success of the first ever official ball for the CAF, the “Wawa Aba” in Ghana 2008, we are proud to present to you the new official ball for African football for the next two years.”

“I have confidence that the Jabulani Angola will be the perfect icon for the 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations,” says Amr Shaheen, Marketing Director of CAF.

The word Jabulani – which means “to celebrate” – reflects not only Africa’s but the entire world’s approach to the Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

In the future, adidas will continue to use innovative technology to extend its world-leading position in football production and thus strengthen its position as the authentic symbol of high-performance sporting goods for professionals and amateurs alike. adidas also intends to unveil more revolutionary innovations in match ball production for future UEFA, FIFA and CAF competitions. The adidas innovation team (ait.) is already working on innovations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

Cameroon and Ivory Coast – Away, Egypt (A/H), Ghana (A), Morocco (A/H), Mozambique (A/H), Namibia (A/H), Senegal (A/H), Togo (A/H), Tunisia (A/H)

They have now released home and away kits for 11 of the countries participating in the African Cup of Nations in January 2010.

“In 2010, Africa will be the center of attention with the Orange African Cup of Nations Angola 2010™ in January leading up to the World Cup in South Africa. With a powerful portfolio of eleven PUMA-sponsored African national teams (Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Egypt, Tunisia, Namibia, Morocco, Angola, Senegal and Togo), PUMA is already the most visible football brand in the Continent. We have enjoyed more than a decade of close partnership and collaboration with African football federations. Africa has a great deal to offer the international football community; next year’s major tournaments will provide the perfect stage and PUMA is very proud to be a part of them.”
Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO, PUMA AG

PUMA have always been innovative football kit suppliers. Now they are delivering home and away kits for its 11 African teams, which again push the boundaries of technology and design. The jerseys are contoured to deliver a snug body fit that accentuates the players’ musculature. Constructed from moisture-wicking Power Mesh, the jerseys feature a proprietary engineered mesh panel across the back, which allows for maximum movement and breathability. A Kinte pattern, inspired by traditional African fabrics, was applied to this back panel.  Additionally, a unique brush-stroke effect, mimicking fans’ body paint, creates the decorative stripes on most of the away jerseys and the players’ names and numbers on the back.

PUMA’s African roster swells to 12 top-ranked African teams with the signing of the Algeria FA who will be part of the PUMA football portfolio from January 1^st 2010.

“The association with Algeria underpins PUMA’s commitment to African Football,” “Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes) have an impressive history on the pitch and are again poised to be a top contender at CAN 2010. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the PUMA family.”
Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO, PUMA AG

Ivory Coast, Ghana and Angola (home and away) kits.

Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o wearing their new kit and Puma V1.10 boots.

For more information visit: www.pumafootballpresskit.com.