Samuel Eto’o, former Cameroon international, on Tuesday, announced his decision to contest the presidency of the Cameroon Football Association.

He said his mission is out of love for the country and passion for its football. 

“I am honoured and pleased to announce my candidacy for the Presidency of the Cameroon Football Federation. I have decided to take this initiative out of love for Cameroon and passion for our football,” Eto’o said in a statement. 

Mr Eto’o said his candidacy is hinged on showcasing his country to the rest of the world at the forthcoming African Cup of Nations as a “pool of talent that it has always been.”

There has been controversy about the nationalities of individuals who would hold the office of the president of the Cameroon Football Federation, with some quarters saying that individuals with dual citizenships cannot stand in the elections which are due to come up in January. 

Eto’o, who was granted Spanish nationality during his stay at Barcelona, however urged the federation to move past “fruitless arguments” and make the Cup of Nations event a historical success. 

“I see it in high expectations, an urgent appeal to put an end to the fruitless arguments that undermine the harmonious organisation of our sport. In the medium term, our people’s wish is that we look beyond our selfish interests in order to revive our local championships by ensuring their regularity, attractiveness and visibility; it is equally imperative to rekindle the winning spirit within our national teams, to restore confidence in our professional resources so that both players and coaches can progress simultaneously and sustainably,” Eto’o said. 

Forty years old Eto’o is a four-time African player of the year and his country’s record holder with 56 goals in 118 games including helping the country to lifting the Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002. He has won domestic and international titles in Spain and Italy and have also had appearances in the English league, featuring for Chelsea and Everton during his successful career.