Eto’o Returns To Indomitable Lions

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has announced he has ended his
self-imposed international exile.

Eto’o missed last month’s 2-0 loss to Cape Verde in their
2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier first leg in protest against the national
team set-up.

But the 31-year-old has been persuaded by Cameroon’s
government to return.

“On the request of the highest authority of the Republic, I
make myself available to the Indomitable Lions,” Eto’o said on his website.

“I am encouraged by my desire to serve my country with the
same faith, ardour and determination of 15 years ago.”

Eto’o’s decision comes after he met with Cameroon’s Prime
Minister Philemon Yang, Minister of Sports Adoum Garoua and the Cameroon team
manager Rigobert Song and coach Jean Paul Akono.

“I was received these past days by the state authorities to
discuss the present situation of football in Cameroon, and specifically the
national team,” added Eto’o, who has won 109 caps for Cameroon and scored 53
goals.

“I am convinced that together, putting aside other interests
for the country, we are capable, with God’s assistance, of giving Cameroon
football the panache, and shine of old.”

Eto’o first task will be to help the Indomitable Lions try
to overturn their two-goal deficit when they host Cape Verde on 14 October.

At stake is a place at next year’s tournament in South
Africa, and Cameroon are desperate to qualify having missed out on the 2012
finals