Eto´o relishing Cameroon return

Samuel Eto’o says playing for Cameroon remains the childhood dream it has always been despite the recent disagreements with his nation’s football authorities.

The former Inter and Barcelona star was banned for eight months by the Cameroon Football Federation, Fecafoot, after leading a player revolt over late payments of appearance fees.

Eto’o boycotted his comeback game in protest but has since made his peace and will lead the line for the Indomitable Lions on Sunday, in a decisive Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“It is always a pleasure and a childhood dream to represent 25 million people,” the 31-year-old told beIN SPORT.

“They asked me to come back and I’m back,” continued Eto’o, who only made his return following a plea from his country’s president.

“More than a victory, I’d like to see the soul of Cameroon reborn.”

The striker went on to reaffirm his desire to win silverware with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, something he says would rank alongside his biggest achievements in the game.

“After all the great victories I’ve had, my biggest one will be to say in the future that I was in the group that made this club grow,” he said.

“Gradually, we are beginning to create a good team and we hope that the results will follow.”

However, Eto’o showed that part of his heart remains with former club Barcelona when he was asked for his thoughts on who should win the Ballon d’Or.

“I have three names, which include Xavi and (Andres) Iniesta, but if you ask me for just one I will say (Lionel) Messi,” he said.