"Our task is to surpass the world championship in Russia": Eto'o about the uniqueness of the World Cup 2022, the pandemic and its 40th anniversary

- Which of the stadiums where you played resembles Al Rayyan the most?

“We want to do something unique in Qatar.

Therefore, none of our stadiums are similar to those already known.

All arenas that were built here are completely different.

The only thing they can have in common with the rest is the lawn.

And even we tried to improve it.

The Al-Rayyan stadium is already the fourth open at the moment in the country for the World Cup.

It can accommodate 40 thousand spectators, but at the opening ceremony it was only 50% full.

FIFA did not allow more people to enter for security reasons.

Moreover, only those spectators who passed the coronavirus test and received a negative result got into the stands.

Social distance was respected.

This stadium has one special feature: it is located just five minutes from another arena.

That is, during the championship, football fans like me will be able to get from one stadium to another in five minutes by car to watch two matches at once in one day.

This is incredible.

This have not happened before.

But the most important thing is that the World Cup final will take place exactly two years after the opening of Al-Rayyan.

On December 18, we celebrate a national holiday in Qatar.

And in 2022, the final match will be played on the same day.

We do not yet know if it will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium or another, but this is not so important, because all arenas are simply incredible.

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is ready to go!

The latest # Qatar2022 venue has been officially inaugurated, hosting the prestigious #AmirCup Final.

pic.twitter.com/ftFsW8tk7V

- Road to 2022 (@ roadto2022en) December 18, 2020

- 20 thousand spectators at the opening ceremony of the arena is not too large a figure, given the current situation with the coronavirus in the world?

- I think you already know that there are very few cases of infection in Qatar due to the government's serious attitude towards the pandemic.

Here you can freely be in some public places.

Yes, we wear masks, but this is our personal choice, not a requirement.

In addition, a special application has been developed that should work for everyone.

You need to have a green status in it.

Because we respect human life and believe that other people's lives are just as important as ours.

Of course, in a normal situation, this stadium would be completely filled with fans, but since we like to comply with the laws, we follow the requirements of FIFA and the recommendations of doctors.

Therefore, the figure cannot exceed 20 thousand.

- Many people continue to break spears about Qatar's readiness for the World Cup.

At what stage, in your opinion, is the country, and don't you think that the situation resembles the one that took place before the World Cup in Russia, when everyone doubted, and as a result recognized the tournament as the best in history?

- The World Championship in Russia is so far the best in history.

However, we in Qatar want to be even better.

Our task is to surpass him.

If you need to start the championship of the planet tomorrow, we are ready to receive guests and offer them the maximum.

We have no problem.

More than 15 stadiums have already been built, but we want to open more.

Nobody has done this yet.

In terms of preparation, there is no cause for concern, we are working strictly on schedule.

We are waiting for you all, we hope you will come to Qatar and, together, as a big family, will spend time here.

We believe you will like not only stadiums in this country, but also cities.

• It's about preparing Qatar for the World Cup

- I can't help but inquire about your health, given the news that you had an accident in November.

Nothing serious happened?

“Thank God I'm here now.

God gave me a second chance and I'm alive.

My friends, assistants, guards and drivers who were in these two cars were not seriously injured.

And me too.

- You are a very busy person.

Are you following the Champions League?

What do you think about the results of the group stage?

- At this stage, the best teams at the moment always advance to the playoffs.

I think this is logical.

Those who successfully played matches in their groups and showed good results made their way to the 1/8 finals.

In particular, Barcelona will play against PSG there.

I would like this confrontation to take place in the semifinals or finals.

If they have to play now, well, we'll see.

- Who will you root for?

- These will be beautiful matches, and I hope the pandemic will not prevent the fans from watching them from the stands of the stadiums in Barcelona and Paris.

- In March you will be 40 years old.

How do you feel about this?

- I don't see any problem in this and I feel comfortable at this age.

Fortunately, my wife and children are completely healthy.

I am also doing well with my health, and I successfully continue my studies.

I am happy to do what I am doing now.

I have nothing more to ask of God ... Only that the pandemic ends as soon as possible and smiles appear on people's faces again, despite the accumulated problems.

• It's about its 40th birthday

- And on the field no longer pulls?

If they call from Russia and offer to sign a contract for a year, will you agree?

- At the professional level, I will not perform anymore. This no longer gives me joy as an athlete. I have always liked to feel like a part of a team, to share this happiness with my partners. Now I am deprived of such joy. Therefore, I decided to end my career. But, of course, I really love football and will not stop playing, for example, with friends - at a level where there are no high demands.