Eto'o wants to stay at Barcelona, but cannot rule out exit
Barcelona - Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o would like to stay at Barcelona, but he will not rule out leaving if conditions are not right, his agent noted Monday.
"Eto'o wants to fulfil the remaining year of his contract and is not going to look for a club to go to, although we cannot rule out anything. If anyone comes up and improves
(his lot) we will have to evaluate it," said agent Jose Maria Mesalles.
In recent weeks, speculation has been rife that Barcelona would seek to cash in on the striker this summer, before his contract expires next year and he can walk away for free.
"We are at the point where we want to be, he has a contract. (Barcelona) know that he is a great player," Mesalles noted.
The fine established by contract - in accordance with Spanish law - should Eto'o wish to break his contract unilaterally is as high as 150 million euros (208 million dollars). Any club that wants the player for less will have to negotiate with Barça.
"If some madman arrives and pays off the contract-breaking clause, then we would be delighted if the player is to earn a lot more," Mesalles stressed.
The agent said that all three parties would seriously consider any offers, and he noted that Eto'o would even be willing to extend his current contract.
"We are open to all possibilities," Mesalles said. (dpa)