Meanwhile, Inter Milan President Moratti also gave an interview to reassure the team, stating that Eto'o would remain 100% with Inter: "Eto'o belongs 100% to Inter Milan. He basically has no intention of leaving. That incident (referring to being insulted) will not be the trigger for his departure." Rumors of Eto'o joining Real Madrid not only shocked the upper echelons of Inter Milan, but also made Real Madrid's striker Benzema suddenly feel somewhat awkward about his position. Today, when he was interviewed by *Marca*, he also expressed his desire to stay at the Bernabeu: "I don't believe that Real Madrid is planning to sell me; Mourinho still counts on me. Next season, you will see the real Benzema."
Today's edition of *Gazzetta dello Sport* conducted a feasibility analysis of Eto'o's transfer to Real Madrid under the title "Eto'o Finds it Hard to Resist Real Madrid's Temptation." This Italian newspaper confidently claimed that after Mourinho's decisive victory over Valdano in their power struggle and gaining control over transfers, his top target became Eto'o. There are three reasons for Eto'o's potential transfer: first, the incident where he was insulted by AC Milan fans. Although he didn't say anything publicly, the leopard might still be thinking, "How can I live in a city that always insults me?" Second, Eto'o's annual salary of 11 million euros is a significant factor causing disharmony within the team. Moreover, Inter Milan has been struggling to comply with UEFA's financial fair play regulations, and a blood change is inevitable. The Nerazzurri have to rely on selling core players like Eto'o to continue operating. Finally, it was precisely Mourinho's text message, "What number do you like? How about 9?" that moved Eto'o to join Inter Milan. Now, if Mourinho sends another text, wouldn't Eto'o follow him to Real Madrid?
Even while drinking in a restaurant, Eto'o was scolded by AC Milan fans. Although Eto'o didn't appear angry on the surface, what he thought in his heart is hard to say. Today's *Gazzetta dello Sport* seriously claimed that this incident completely broke Eto'o's heart, and he had already decided to leave Inter Milan and join Real Madrid. This logically sound news report caused a great stir as soon as it appeared, eventually forcing even Eto'o himself to deny the rumors on Inter Milan's official website, while Moratti also denied the matter at the same time.
Regardless of its explosiveness or reasonableness, this report was impeccable and was akin to dropping a bomb in the transfer market. However, Inter Milan, which is preparing for the Italian Cup final, does not want the ups and downs of the transfer market to disrupt their mental preparation. They issued a statement from Eto'o via the official website. In this open letter written to Inter Milan fans, Eto'o wrote: "This morning, I was very surprised to read some reports in newspapers, especially in *Gazzetta dello Sport*. I imagine you were equally surprised. I want to clarify that I have always wanted to have fans like you by my side throughout my career. From the day I arrived in Milan, you deeply moved me and showed me great respect. Don't worry, the only thing I want to do is to win the Italian Cup with my teammates. This will be the sixth trophy in two seasons and the third of this season. Some things outside the field may bother me, but nothing will drive me away from Inter Milan."