Samuel Eto'o, 40 years of the Lion King!

Two seasons were enough to see him etch his names into the hearts of Inter fans and go down in the Club’s history. Samuel Eto’o joined Inter in the summer of 2009 with one remit: helping the team to reach that next level. His CV spoke for itself, his leadership – both in terms of technique and team morale – did the rest.

Lion King. He marked his debut with a goal, in spite of the Supercoppa defeat. The love story took flight and his goals became the fundamental factor in the wild ride that was 2010. One of these above all: in West London against Chelsea, a club that had, in previous years, often been a bit of a bogey team of the Nerazzurri.

Mourinho’s team reaching the very peak of European football was made possible by that strike from Samuel – touch and bang, a great goal from outside the box. What followed was a dedication to the Inter fans, who have always felt a strong connection with the Cameroonian legend.

Inter were on top of the world in December 2010, also thanks to an Eto’o goal, which celebrated with that dance with the shopping bags and a warm embrace from his friend Materazzi. Champions both.

He made 102 appearances in an Inter shirt, scoring 53 goals (37 in his second season). Six trophies won, including the Coppa Italia in 2011 following his brace in the final.

Today, 10 March, Samuel Eto’o turns 40. On behalf of Inter fans everywhere, Happy Birthday, Lion King!