Samuel Eto’o has announced his retirement from all forms of football at the age of 38. The four time African Player of the year has called time on his trophy-laden career after 22 years.
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 inured player won several trophies with Barcelona and represented Cameroon at four World cups with a satisfactory career at the top level of the game.
Having spent his youth career at Kadji Sports Academy, he joined Real Madrid where he was loaned to Leganes, Espanyol, and Mallorca.
His awe-inspiring form in Mallorca saw him join Barcelona in 2004. There, he won two Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles, two Supercopa de Espana and one Copa del Rey. He also became the record holder for most La Liga caps by an African.
Under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, the veteran won his prestigious third Champions League and also added Serie A, Supercoppa Italiana, Fifa Club World Cup and Coppa Italia titles to his impressive days in Italy.
His short spells with Anzhi Makhachkala, Chelsea, Everton, Sampdoria, Antalyaspor and Konyaspor ended trophyless before moving to Qatar SC.
Eto'o was the youngest player at the 1998 World Cup in Cameroon squad at age 17.
He won gold at the 2000 Olympics as well as two Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002 with four African Player of the Year crowns - a record he shares with Cote d'Ivoire's Yaya Toure.
Before retiring, Samuel Eto'o had represented 13 professional teams during his memorable playing career.
