New Everton signing Samuel Eto’o has thanked Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for giving him the opportunity to play in the Premier League and drawn a line under his spat with the Special One.

The 33-year-old was today unveiled as Roberto Martinez’s fifth purchase of the summer at the Toffees’ Finch Farm training ground and has been speaking to the media ahead of a speedy reunion with his old club this weekend.

Eto’o spent last year at Stamford Bridge but left the club this summer after manager Mourinho, who he had previously worked with at Inter Milan, questioned the Cameroon international’s age.

Despite Mourinho’s words, captured by a French television station without the Blues manager’s knowledge, Eto’o insists he has no problem with his former boss ahead of Saturday’s clash at Goodison Park.

“The only thing I have to say about Jose is that I want to thank him for giving me my opportunity in English football,” said Eto'o, who has signed a two-year deal with the Toffees.

“It is down to him that I have had the chance to play and integrate into the Premier League. That is the end of the matter.”

Samuel Eto'o pictured with manager Roberto Martinez after signing for Everton FC.
Done deal: Samuel Eto'o pictured with manager Roberto Martinez after signing for Everton FC.

Eto’o is joined at Everton by two other names Blues fans will be familiar with. Romelu Lukaku was sold by Mourinho this summer and Christian Atsu has joined on loan.

"During my meetings with Roberto Martinez I had a very good feeling that we had a lot in common and Everton corresponds well with my philosophy about football and how the game is,” Eto’o added.

"I will bring my experience to this team. You can already see that Everton is a winning team and see that they wish to continue that winning streak.

"In the last 10 days I have travelled quite a lot and spoken to a quite a few managers of teams.

"It is fair to say I am coming to end of my career rather than the start of it.  So I was looking for a location where I would fit in and my contribution would be valued.”

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