Samuel Eto’o says he is determined to join Barcelona and has criticised Real Madrid for trying to scupper the proposed deal.
“Today I feel like a Barcelona player,” said the 23-year-old Cameroon striker in a letter published in the Sport newspaper.
“For reasons that have nothing to do with me the deal has been delayed for a few days, but don’t worry because joining Barca is still my overwhelming desire.”
Barcelona are reported to have offered 22m euros for the striker, but Real Madrid, who own 50 per cent of Eto’o, may use the player as a bargaining tool in their pursuit of Liverpool striker Michael Owen.
But Eto’o has accused Madrid of trying to prevent him joining Barcelona.
“For some time I have wanted to wear the Barcelona shirt and help them in their pre-season preparations,” he said.
“Up until now that hasn’t been possible because of the continual obstacles that have been placed in my path by a club that you all know well, a club that I don’t want to return to because they never showed any faith in me and are now blocking my future progress.”
Real remain undecided as to the best course of action.
“There is still time to decide if we will use our option on the player,” Real sporting director Emilio Butragueno was quoted as saying by Sport.
“We are thinking over what to do, but whatever decision we make it will be the best one for Real Madrid.”
