By David Gold
December 6 – Anzhi Makhachkala stars Samuel Eto’o (pictured) and Roberto Carlos have stated their confidence in Russia’s ability to stage the World Cup in 2018.
Eto’o, who signed for the big spending Russians last summer from Inter Milan in a move which effectively made him the world’s highest paid footballer, was quoted by the 2018 Organising Committee as saying that the hosting of the showpiece event demonstrated that the country was moving “in the right direction”.
“It’s a great opportunity to show the world the best of Russia: it is such a beautiful, historic place,” he added.
“So far, my strongest impression of Russia is the warmth of its people.
“I am sure every fan who comes to the World Cup in 2018 will feel the same.”
Eto’o has made an impressive start to life in Russia, having scored eight times in 11 games for Anzhi as they finished the first section of the season in eighth place.
Russia is currently going through a transitional campaign which lasts for 18 months in total as they move their domestic calendar in line with major European leagues and play their season from autumn to spring.
Carlos (pictured), currently the Anzhi player-manager, added: “I have been in Russia long enough to experience the real hospitality of its people.
“I’m sure the World Cup in Russia will be full of surprises and we will definitely experience a stunning atmosphere throughout the tournament.”
The praise is symbolically important as Carlos has been subject to racist abuse twice, against Zenit St Petersburg and Krylia Sovetov, since his arrival in Russia.
Russia has been dogged by racism over the years, but authorities have launched a renewed effort to drive it out of the game since the award of the 2018 World Cup.
It is a year since Russia won the race to host the competition, beating off competition from Spain/Portugal, Belgium/Netherlands and England.
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