"Without Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, 'El Clasico is worth more than a Champions League final"

Samuel Eto'o believes that 'El Clasico' is worth more than a Champions League final. With Messi and Cristiano and without Messi and Cristiano. In the 'Festival dello Sport' organised by 'La Gazzetta dello Sport', he analysed this match and spoke about Barcelona's financial crisis which sees them focussed on reconstructing their squad and success.

"It doesn't matter whether Messi and Cristiano are there or not, I played in that match and I know that it is the most beautiful in the world, it's worth more than a Champions League final. 'El Clasico' is unique. Barca started badly, but they must take advantage of that game, it's worth six points," he said before referring to stars like Gavi who have just burst onto the international stage. 

"Gavi and the academy players are the future of football, not just Barca. Years ago, there was a brand of football which meant youngsters played incredibly. Now, that dynamic has been lost, but I hope that, with Laporta, it can return," he added. "The Super League?" The improvements in football have been obtained with the agreement of all leagues. If the change is good, nobody will oppose it. The Champions League gives prestige, but what copunts are the domestic leagues. 

On the Barcelona crisis, he said: "They are making me suffer a lot recently, they are tough times for what we want. It would be very difficult to accept them being knocked out of the group stages of the Champions League, I hope it doesn't happen. Ronald Koeman's men have to improve a lot their level so that that doesn't end up happening. 

Eto'o was also asked about the Inter shirt: "It's the nicest shirt in Italy. I always believed in the Champions League, I decided to put it as a prize in the contract because I knew that we were going to win it in two years at the most. We were a team of fighters with a unique coach. They can also win the 'Scudetto' this year, I've seen the loss to Real Madrid at the death. They are things that can happen."