Samuel Eto’o to play in Beijing?

July 15, 2008

Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon hinted that he could become the third Barcelona player called up by his country to play in the Beijing Olympics next month.

Already, Barcelona has forced to let go of Argentina’s Lionel Messi on a FIFA ruling. After being called up, Brazil’s Ronaldinho has stubbornly stated that he will play in Beijing this summer, despite Barcelona’s demands that he attend pre-season training.

‘I think I am going to be called, but because I’m here, I don’t have all the information,’ the 27-year-old told the Times through a translator. ‘Whether I want to or can go or not is not yet certain. It is always an honour to defend the jersey of your country in a tournament like the Olympics. It’s not something for every day. And you know I have won there, against Ronaldinho.’

Eto’o and Cameroon won Olympic gold in Sydney in 2000. Cameroon defeated Brazil in the last eight en route to the final.

‘I can approach it in a different way because I have been there and I have won it,’ Eto’o added. ‘But I have to wait until I go back for training to see if the team will allow me, will support me.’

Barca would not be obligated to release Eto’o for the games as he is over the age of 23. However, as with Ronaldinho, it may end up that it is not Barca’s decision, as Eto’o also appears to be on his way out of the Nou Camp.

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.