Cameroon icon Samuel Eto’o retires for ‘new challenge’
Cameroon’s four-time African Player of the Year Samuel Eto’o announced his retirement on Saturday at the age of 38, declaring “I need a rest”.
“The end, towards a new challenge,” the former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea striker posted on Instagram.
“Thank you all, big love, adrenaline.”
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“In a few months you’ll see me doing something new,” Eto’o, who has campaigned relentlessly against racism during his playing days, later said on the margins of an economic forum in DR Congo — with a role in Africa’s football federation almost certain.
“I need a rest, I’ve been running for 19-years,” he added lightheartedly in Kinshasa.
The most memorable period of his club career includes five hugely successful seasons with Barcelona from 2004 to 2009.
Despite an unfortunate knack for ruffling feathers, a return of 108 league goals from just 145 matches in five stunning seasons with Barcelona pays testament to his talent.
He won a pair of Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns before departing under a cloud for Inter Milan after rowing with Ronaldinho leading to Pep Guardiola showing him the dressing room door.
He then spearheaded Jose Mourinho’s charge to a never to be forgotten treble with Inter of Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia titles in his first season in Italy.
He led Cameroon to an impressive four World Cups in 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014 and enjoyed huge success at the Africa Cup of Nations as the Indomitable Lions won in 2000 and 2002.
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His pace left him as his career slowed down with low stints at Russia’s Anzhi Makhachkala, Chelsea and Everton in the Premier League.
Last year, after a short spell with Turkish side Konyaspor, he joined Qatar league side, Qatar Sports Club, his last club.
Former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi joked on Instagram “Have you decided to stop, Samu? I thought you would reach 40 at least … All the luck in the world in what you want to do from now on, genius”
Fellow African football legend Dider Drogba posted “Congratulations for this great career Samuel Eto’o and very good continuation for the new challenges that await you … Africa is very proud of one of its greatest ambassadors.”
Another Barcelona icon, Carlos Puyol, wrote “Thank you for all, brother. It has been a pleasure to share a team with you. Good luck in this new stage.”