File photo of Cameroonian football player Samuel Eto'o attends a conference about speed and innovation in football on September 12, 2019 in Madrid. / AFP / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU
Former Cameroon international and four-time African Player-of-the-Year Samuel Eto’o (pictured) has said FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be a unique experience for fans and players, saying ‘when fans arrive in Qatar they will find themselves in a very beautiful country.’
Eto’o, one of the most decorated players in world football, in an interview posted on the Supreme Committee website, also backed the idea to host the FIFA showpiece event in the Middle East.
Following are the excerpts of the interview.
Q: We have recently launched the Official Emblem for the FIFA World Cup 2022 a major milestone in Qatar’s journey on the road to 2022. From your experience, what do you think fans can expect in 2022?
A: When fans arrive in Qatar for the World Cup they will find themselves in a very beautiful country, rich with traditions and culture, and a totally unique setting for the tournament. I can say from first-hand experience the temperature at the time of year the tournament is scheduled for will be perfect for watching football, for playing football and also for relaxing by the beach! So fans will be able to enjoy many things away from the stadiums also, and spend their holidays in a very beautiful country.
Q: What makes the FIFA World Cup so special to you personally? You played in the first FIFA World Cup in Africa – how do you think Qatar will stamp its own identity on the first edition in the Arab world?
A: It is true that I was fortunate enough to play in the first World Cup in Africa. Although we as a team did not progress as far as we had hoped, it was a memorable experience – not just for Cameroon or the hosts South Africa, but for the whole continent. I have always believed football is a game for everyone, and therefore the World Cup should visit every region of the world. Therefore, I was delighted to see the Middle East given the opportunity to host in 2022 – it is an opportunity I know it will make the most of.
Q: Qatar’s central location means it is accessible for African football fans too. What would you say to football fans there who are considering attending in 2022?
A: For African fans, it is true, it will be great. For many it will be one flight and for most not too many hours travelling. When they arrive in Doha I am confident they will be happy to find themselves in a country that has more or less the same climate as ours at certain times of the year. Secondly, they will be in a country that has values like us Africans – a warm sense of hospitality and keenness to welcome others, wherever they are from in the world.
Q: Aside from the action on the pitch, what do you think makes for a successful FIFA World Cup and how confident are you Qatar will deliver in this area?
A: Of course, for those watching at home, a successful World Cup is mostly linked with the quality of football. The drama, the passion, this kind of thing. I’m sure Qatar’s World Cup will have all of that, but for those who travel to these tournaments it is about the overall experience. What really makes a difference is what the fans enjoy away from the stadiums – and I’m sure in Qatar they will have a very smooth and enjoyable experience.
