UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Eto'o aims to join Sampdoria's roll call of 30+ stars

As UC Sampdoria turn to Samuel Eto'o, we recall thirtysomethings who served the club well: Graeme Souness, Hans-Peter Briegel, Ruud Gullit and Toninho Cerezo.

Graeme Souness in action for Sampdoria
Graeme Souness in action for Sampdoria ©Getty Images

UC Sampdoria, currently fifth in Serie A, have turned to 33-year-old Samuel Eto'o to boost their bid for a UEFA Champions League spot. The three-time European Cup winner has joined Siniša Mihajlović's side from Everton FC on a contract until June 2018 and, as UEFA.com recalls, the policy of signing established stars beyond their 30th birthdays has served the club well in the past.

Graeme Souness (1984–86 – signed at 31)
Souness arrived in Genoa in 1984 fresh from helping Liverpool FC to a treble, his third European Cup with the Reds included. His experience and personality were crucial as Sampdoria began a golden decade with Coppa Italia glory in the Scotsman's first season. A tough midfielder with a sometimes subtle touch, Souness scored the only goal of the final first leg at San Siro. Samp beat AC Milan 2-1 in the return to lift their first major trophy.

Hans-Peter Briegel (1986–88 – 30)
Nicknamed 'Die Walz von der Pfalz' (the steamroller from the Palatinate), Briegel was a decathlete before focusing on football. The defender's power, technique and ability in front of goal had already helped Hellas Verona FC shock the Italian football establishment by winning the Scudetto in 1985. He then notched nine goals in 51 Serie A games during two campaigns with the Blucerchiati, also netting in the first leg of the 1987/88 Coppa Italia final against Torino FC in a 3-2 aggregate victory. Trophy No2.

Ruud Gullit (1993/94 – 30)
When Gullit moved to Sampdoria in 1993 after helping Milan to three Scudettos and two European Cups, many believed his best days were behind him. "He is like a deer that just left the forest," said former Samp coach Vujadin Boškov. Sven-Göran Eriksson had other ideas, giving the libero licence to roam and Gullit rewarded him with 15 goals in 31 matches during his first term in Genoa. Among them was a wonderful winner as Sampdoria came from two down to beat Milan 3-2. The season ended, once again, with a Coppa Italia final success.

Toninho Cerezo (1986–92 – 31)
A member of the AS Roma side pipped on penalties by Souness's Liverpool in the 1984 European Cup final, the classy Brazilian international came to Sampdoria soon after scoring against the Blucerchiati in the Coppa Italia final. He stayed until 1992, when he lost another European Cup showpiece, this time to FC Barcelona. However, he also helped his employers land their only Scudetto, in 1991, plus the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1990 and two domestic cups. "Like all great players, he sees highways where other players sees small country paths," purred quote machine Boškov.

Selected for you