‘The End’ — Samuel Eto’o retires after 22-year playing career

Samuel Fils Eto’o, Cameroon’s football legend, has hanged his boots from the game after a 22-year playing career.

Eto’o took to his Instagram page to make the announcement on Friday after leaving Qatar SC earlier this year.

He is arguably Africa’s most decorated player — a title held in fluid contention with Nigeria’s Kanu Nwankwo.

“The End. Towards a new challenge… thanks to all of you… big love.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2FMYYBCAAk/?igshid=1ry6rppcwckyx

The 38-year-old is best remembered for his glittering spell at the Nou Camp, helping the Spanish giants to win three La Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs.

The former African Player of the Year joined Inter Milan in 2009 where he won the coveted European crown for a third time – this time under the guidance of Jose Mourinho.

Among his 13 professional teams he played for, he had a short stint with Chelsea and Everton.

Eto’o, who is regarded as one of the greatest African players of all-time, earned his first international cap a day before his 16th birthday on March 9, 1997.

He scored 56 goals in 118 appearances for Cameroon.

Eto’o was a part of the squads that won the 2000 and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations and was a gold medalist at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Australia.

Eto’o was voted African Player of the Year four times, a joint-record he holds with former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure.