Samuel Eto'o

Football knows no boundaries and no limits. Years ago the beautiful game was played mostly in Europe and South America and the best players from these areas were the main topics for football fans. Now football gets new uprising, mostly because of the globalization and Internet.
Years ago Russian football was an average and not very popular even among the die-hard football fans. What about Makhachkala?! It was too long ago when the city was one of the capitals of the Chechen rebels. Now the domestic soccer team is the new home of the most expensive football player of all time- Samuel Eto`o. The African player made his name mostly as a player of Barcelona and Inter. On 23rd of August 2011th Anzhi Makhachkala reached an agreement with Samuel Eto`o for three year contract, making him the most valuable player in the world with net pay of 20 million Euros per year.
In a period when the football game becomes more attractive and enjoyable, Samuel made for some people surprising move, changing the fashion capital Milan with a Russian countryside club. Anzhi looks like a step backwards for Samuel Eto`o looking at his previous experience in the richest and most popular football clubs in Europe. There is no doubt that the owner of Anzhi wants to make his team more popular, adding the African star to his squad. It`s not a coincidence that former Real Madrid player Roberto Carlos is among the administrative staff of the Russian team. There is only one goal- European appearance and even… a European cup.
Eto`o has won everything during his highly recognizable career as a football player. Now he can add some experience in a brand new place. Near his career end Eto`o could win more fans and… cash in Russia.

Olympique Lyonnais

                                                    

Let`s talk about modern football and forget about traditions. Many clubs made history in 21st century. One of these teams is Olympique Lyon. Clubs was founded officially in the 50s but the biggest achievements have been made during the first decades of the modern times. Lyon won nine consecutive titles which is a French record and it`s not surprise that the team has one of the largest number of supporters in the country. `The boys` made history in the French League, breaking many records reaching a status as one of the richest clubs in France. Thus the club is one of the founders of G14 group and its successor- the European Club Association.

This year has started better for `the boys` than the previous season. The team is on the third spot in French League, just a point behind PSG. Everyone is looking at the PSG stars and forget that Lyon always has something to prove, especially in the final rounds. The team has the second best attack and the fifth best defense. Manager Remi Garde tries to build a team with many experienced players such as the captain Lopez. The fans are spoiled with the team`s nine titles in a row, so the manager feels uneasy to create and prove his football philosophy for a short period of time. Everyone in Lyon wants triumphs and titles but times have changes and now the contenders in French League are more and powerful.
If the team fails to achieve something big this season (which is unthinkable, due to manager`s previous stay at Arsenal FC), it won`t be a surprise a new coach`s appointment. A title or more European triumphs- it`s all the same for Lyon. The team is hungry for a success, something unseen in the past few seasons.