Samuel Eto'o threatened to take no part in the imminent World Cup but was he really thinking about skipping the gigantic competition? Some harsh statements from Cameroon legend Roger Milla caused Eto'o to lose his temper outright and stir controversy over the past couple of days. The verbal jousting began when Milla, who made his name in the 1990 World Cup by helping his country reach the quarter finals, stated that Eto'o 'still hasn't brought anything to their national team'. It's hard to determine whether what the 58-year-old said was out of jealousy or enthusiasm, but his tough words definitely didn't go down well. Eto'o hit back at his compatriot as expected but at some point he overracted. The Inter Milan ace's first reaction was to underline his achievements and prominence on the international stage, and undervalue Milla's at the same time. "I'm the best goal-scorer in the history of the African Cup," he said. "I've won the African Cup, I've won an Olympic gold medal. That says everything. Look at how many Champions Leagues I have … Look. "A lot more than to some others and they must respect that and shut up, really shut up, because playing a quarter-final of the World Cup is not winning the World Cup." But it turned out that Eto'o was just warming up before coming up with what could be his most bizarre quote ever. "Is it worth me going to the World Cup?" he told French TV channel Canal Plus Sport a day later. "I still have a few days to think about it but I will see if my participation is important because I don't need this in my career." Logically speaking, Eto'o's threat was empty.
Eto'o was clearly driven by irritation while saying that he's too important to represent his country at the World Cup. The former Barcelona man was clearly driven by irritation while saying that he's too important to represent his country at the World Cup. Reading between the lines, it was rather another attempt to undermine Milla as a footballer in response to his criticism. Eto'o wanted to lay more emphasis on the fact that playing at the World Cup and getting ousted empty-handed is no feat. Some people, however, regarded Eto'o's outburst as an indisputable testament to the ever-lasting notion that high-profile African players are all about individual glory. It's widely believed that the majority of the Dark Continent stars don't do their utmost with their respective national teams because their only aim is to promote their club careers. But Cameroon are no secondary priority for Eto'o. Indeed the 29-year-old has played for the most prestigious clubs on the globe but his international career is nothing less than impressive. He led Cameroon to two Nations Cup triumphs and has never showed delinquency while on international duty, having been the Indomitable Lions' all-time top scorer. It's also kind of hard to believe that a footballer of Eto'o's caliber is not aware of the significance of the World Cup, which is every player's ultimate dream regardless of how imposing his stardom is. From my perspective, Eto'o, who has already been included in Cameroon's 23-man list, will be looking to excel himself in the World Cup. Like all great players, he will seek to help his side revel in a memorable campaign and also to stamp him mark on the quadrennial tournament. His task won't be a doddle but he will absolutely silence his critics should he succeed.
