Samuel Eto’o Retires From Football
Samuel Eto’o Retires From Football at 38.
A legend! Arguably the most celebrated African footballer of all time, Samuel Eto’o has decided to hang up his boots after an incredible 22-year playing career.
In an Instagram post on Friday: “THE END. TOWARDS A NEW CHALLENGE …Thank you all big love, adrenaline.”
The 38-year-old who made his senior debut as far back as 1997 scored 350 goals across his club career, winning the Champions League title two times with Barcelona and Inter Milan.
Back home in Africa, the success story was also amazing. He lifted the most prestigious African Cup of Nations Trophy with Cameroon in 2000 and 2002. He also has an Olympic gold medal to his name and is retiring with 56 goals in 118 games for Cameroon.
Career
Samuel Eto’o began his career at Kadje Sports Academy in Cameroon. He later got signed to Real Madrid. In 2000, he signed for Mallorca, where a record of 54 goals in 133 league games earned him a move to Barcelona in 2004.
He helped Barca win back to back Spanish titles scoring 25 league goals in his first season and 26 in his second. Due to his efforts, he came 3rd in the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year award, behind Ronaldo and Lampard.
He left Barca for Mourinho’s Inter in 2009 after winning three La Ligas, two Champions League, a Copa Del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups for his previous club.
At the later part of his career, he spent some time in Russia with Anzhi Makhachkala, moved to Chelsea and then Everton before returning to Italy with Sampdoria.
In 2015, he moved to Antalsyspor in Turkey where he scored 44 goals in 76 league matches before moving to Konyaspor and then Qatar SC.
Eto’o is retiring with his head held high; won African player of the year four times, he is Cameroon’s top scorer of all time and equally Africa’s top scorer of all time.
Eto’o may be moving to pursue a career in coaching as he told CanalPlus: “I won in Europe as a player, I have to win in Europe as a coach.”
Samuel Eto’o retires but remains a Legend For Ever.
