Eto'o rejects Cameroon's invite

Yaounde (Cameroon), Aug 28 - Cameroon’s top striker Samuel Eto’o Tuesday turned down the invitation to return to the national team for the 2013 African Nations Cup first leg qualifier against Cape Verde Islands Sep 8.

The striker, ending eight months of suspension for leading a strike to claim unpaid bonuses, made the decision because “there has been no reply to some questions he raised,” reports Xinhua.

A letter by the 31-year-old striker, addressed to the Cameroon football federation and published on his website, said the environment in the Cameroon team is still plagued by “amateurism and bad management”.

“I regret to inform you I have decided not to participate in any game with the national team since the weaknesses I kept denouncing as a captain have not been solved,” said Eto’o, now playing for Russia’s wealthy Premier League club Anzhi Makhachkala, after FC Barcelona in Spain and Inter Milan in Italy.

“The national team environment is still made up of amateurism and bad management which do not suit the requirements for high-level sport,” added the four-time African Footballer of the Year who has played for his country more than 100 times.

“I am sure all (Indomitable) Lions lovers will understand my move which is only aimed at drawing attention on the necessity to have a more professional management of this team. This team is an institution which brought a lot to our country and we can still expect a lot from it,” he said.

The two-leg match series between Cameroon and Cape Verde Islands will decide a place at the 2013 finals to take place in South Africa.