SAMUEL ETO’O’S son thanked his legendary dad for being the “best example” to him after he made Rayo Vallecano’s squad for the first time.
Eto’o Sr, 43, played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea in a brilliant 22-year professional career.
Among his list of trophies includes three Champions Leagues, three LaLiga titles and one Serie A crown.
Now he is watching his son Etienne, 22, come through the ranks with LaLiga side Real Vallecano.
The young forward signed for the Spanish top flight club in the summer and was assigned to the B team.
But he spent pre-season with the senior squad and was then named on the bench for their 2-1 away win at Real Sociedad on Sunday.
And while he was an unused substitute in the match, dad Samuel took to social media to pay tribute to his son’s achievement.
He said: “This August 18, the opportunity making the thief , I have the opportunity to tell you how proud I am of you.
“When you opened up to life, and with the emerging maturity, I confided in you that my status as a father, with the authority and subsequent responsibilities will never vary.
“We live in a world where selfish and fleeting battles are queens. You are the sole master of your destiny. Through your work, you will build your trajectory and your destiny alone. No one will give you gifts.
“You must be impervious to their manipulations and instrumentalizations against your family and those who love you.”
He went on: “Cutting yourself off from your family ties is the best way to weaken yourself. You must block them.
“No family is perfect, but you have the essential: my LOVE and my PRIDE as a father.
“This day is full of symbols: it’s your birthday. And, you will probably play on this birthday, your first match in a first division club.
“My emotion as a father cannot help but remind you that: you must keep this beautiful asset that is your strength of character, your magnificent smile, and this unalterable dream that you have nourished since your birth.
“Things will happen, son. If not today, it will be tomorrow, if not, it will be the day after tomorrow… They will happen. Receive all the strength of my Love . Dad.”
In response, Etienne, who has two caps for Cameroon’s U20s, said: “Thank you very much for everything dad, nothing in life is easy.
“You are the best example, I fight and I will always fight for my dream, that dream that became a dream when I saw you. I love you dad.”
