Cameroonian football legend, Samuel Eto’o Fils says he would like to see former Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi play until he is 70.
The 39-year-old retired footballer, who holds the record for most appearances by an African in La Liga, disclosed this in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca.
Eto’o said he would like to see Messi play until the Argentine is a septuagenarian so that he and other fans can continue to enjoy his game.
Asked if the Spanish champions were relying too much on Messi, the four-time African Player of the Year, said, “It’s normal. Leo is the best player in the world and the best of all time.
“I’d always pick the team asking Messi who he wanted next to him, in his team. Every team in the world wants Messi.
“Then, you have to give him support. He can’t run like a 25-year-old kid anymore, although he does sometimes.
“What we have to do as Barcelona fans is give him the best team in the world to keep enjoying him. He has to play until he’s 70 so that we can enjoy more.”
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In 2019, Eto’o caused a controversy when he declared that he liked former manager, Pep Guardiola as a coach but not as a person.
Asked why made the famous declaration, he said, “I stick to what I said, and I’m not the only person who has said it. My experience with Pep at Barcelona was what it was, but on a personal level it wasn’t what we hoped for.
“Many players have said the same about him. As a coach, Pep prepares games like nobody else. How he coached us in 2009 was incredible, his way of seeing attacking football, control, having the ball, rondos, Pep was the best at that.
“As a player, you had the feeling that you didn’t run much, although you did, because you were enjoying it. They are specific techniques for those of us who love good football.
“For me, football is feeling like you’re in a theatre, and seeing tikitaka, passing the ball, it’s not the only way to win but its special. It’s Pep’s way.”