Samuel Eto’o retires from football

Samuel Eto’o has announced his retirement from all forms of football at the age of 38.

The veteran enjoyed an excellent career at the top level of the game, winning numerous trophies with Barcelona and also representing Cameroon at four World Cups.

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest-ever players, Eto’o posted on his official Instagram handle: “The end. Towards a new challenge. Thank you all, big love.”

The Cameroon forward, who made his debut in 1997, scored more than 350 goals across his club career, winning the Champions League twice with Barcelona and once with Inter.

After joining Real Madrid from Kadji Sports Academy in Cameroon, Eto’o was loaned to Leganes, Espanyol and Mallorca before moving to Barcelona in 2004.

At Inter Milan, he won his third Champions League under Jose Mourinho’s tutelage and also added Serie A, Supercoppa Italiana, Fifa Club World Cup and Coppa Italia titles to his impressive haul in Italy.

Internationally, Eto’o was the youngest player at the 1998 World Cup after making Cameroon’s squad at the age of 17.

Eto’o also went on to claim gold at the 2000 Olympics as well as two Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002.