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Samuel Eto’o announces international retirement from Cameroon

Soc Wcup Cameroon Samuel Eto'o

FILE - In this March 5 2014 file photo, Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o reacts after missing a chance to score during their friendly soccer match with Portugal, in Leiria, Portugal. After reconsidering a decision to retire, Samuel Eto’o will be back at the World Cup carrying Cameroon’s hopes of a surprising performance in Brazil. (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File)

AP

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has announced his retirement from international football.

The announcement, made via Eto’o’s Instagram page, thanked fans for all their support.

“I wish to inform you that I hereby put a definitive end to my international career. On this occasion, I wish to thank all Africans in particular and all my fans around the world for their love and unconditional support.”

Eto’o departs the Cameroon National Team as their all-time leading scorer with 56 goals in 113 total appearances. The striker made his international debut with The Indomitable Lions in 1997 during a 5-0 defeat to Costa Rica and his final appearance in the 1-0 loss to Mexico in the 2014 World Cup.

During his time with the national side Eto’o played in four World Cup finals (1998, 2002, 2010, 2014), scoring 16 goals in 26 appearances but never making it out of the group stage. He was, however, a member of the African Cup of Nations title winning squads in 2000 and 2002.

Yesterday, Eto’o signed with Everton Football Club on a two-year-deal.

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