Eto’o Retires From Football After Trophy-Laden Career

Former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o has decided to hang up his boots after a glittering 22-year career.

The 38-year-old began his career with Real Madrid, where he made just three appearances, and went on to play for 13 clubs including Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Everton and Sampdoria.

Eto’o is most closely associated with Barcelona, helping the Spanish giants to win three La Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs.

After five years at Barca, he joined Inter Milan in 2009 where he won the coveted European crown for a third time – this time under the guidance of Jose Mourinho.

Short spells in the Premier League soon followed at Chelsea and Everton.

But in an Instagram post on Friday night, Eto’o announced that he has decided to retire after leaving Qatar SC earlier this year.

He wrote: ‘The End. Towards a new challenge. Thank you all, big love.’

After earning his first cap for Cameroon one day before his 16th birthday, he went on to score 56 goals in 118 appearances for his nation.

He helped his country win Olympic gold at the 2000 Games in Australia, the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002.