2024-04-15 04:00:01
On the sidelines of his father’s moving funeral David Eto’othe icon of Cameroonian football Samuel Eto’o made a point of paying tribute to the president Paul Biya. During his poignant testimony, the president of FECAFOOT praised the efforts made by the Head of State to facilitate access to the Ngambé site, the location of the funeral. A strong gesture which did not fail to arouse emotion.
Eto’o welcomes the personal involvement of Paul Biya
Visibly moved, Samuel Eto’o began his speech with strong thanks to the President of the Republic. “I would first like to express my deep gratitude to the Head of State, HE Paul Biya, for all the efforts he has made to make the Ngambé site accessible”he declared, his voice thick with emotion.
A tribute that takes on its full meaning when we know the difficulties of access to the Eto’o’s native village. Located in the middle of the equatorial forest, Ngambé is usually only accessible via difficult to pass tracks. But thanks to the personal intervention of President Biya, the road was specially redeveloped to allow guests to pay their last respects to David Eto’o.
A strong and symbolic gesture from President Biya
Beyond the practical aspect, it is above all the symbolic significance of this gesture which touched Samuel Eto’o and his family. “Through this special attention, President Biya has once again shown his deep attachment to our family and his gratitude”underlined the former captain of the Indomitable Lions.
A gesture all the more remarkable since Paul Biya also insisted on sending a personal representative to attend the funeral, despite a busy schedule and protocol constraints. A mark of respect and consideration which did not escape observers.
Eto’o, grateful Cameroonian ambassador
Through this tribute, it is also the very special relationship between Samuel Eto’o and his country that shines through. A true national icon, the one who carried the colors of the Cameroon on lawns around the world has never hidden his deep attachment to his homeland.
« Everything I am, everything I have accomplished, I owe to Cameroon and its people. And I will never forget the unwavering support that President Biya always gave me, in good times and in bad times.“, confided Eto’o, visibly moved to tears.
An unwavering link between the Eto’o and Cameroon
Beyond Samuel, it is the entire Eto’o family who embodies this strong link with Cameroon. From David, the humble and respected patriarch, to his illustrious sons, all have contributed in their own way to the influence of the country throughout the world. A legacy that the president of FECAFOOT intends to perpetuate and enrich.
“My father instilled in us the love of Cameroon and the desire to give everything for its development and influence. It is a commitment that I make my own and that I will strive to honor as long as I live.”he concluded, to loud applause from the audience.
A commitment that resonates as a promise for the future. That of seeing this very special relationship between the Eto’o and their country continue, made of mutual respect, recognition and dedication. An example which commands admiration and which shows, if necessary, that Cameroon knows how to recognize and honor its most illustrious children.