Former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o says he knew Lionel Messi was going to become the player he is today and claims his advice helped the Argentine change his career.
Eto'o signed for Barca from Mallorca in 2004 and it was in his debut season at Camp Nou that a young Leo made his first appearances for the Catalan club.
"He would move between the B team and the first team, and he was very good," the Cameroonian recalled in conversation with LaLiga.
"We already knew back then that Messi would one day become what he is today. I’m very happy because he’s achieved that though his own hard work."
In that time, Messi has gone from a shy, talented teenager to a six-time Ballon d'Or winner and the world's highest-paid player, but Eto'o said: "He hasn’t changed at all. He’s still the good person that I knew back then, and that I still know.
"He recently said ‘thanks to Samuel,’ thanks to my advice – that I won’t reveal here – that his career changed. Back then he had to iron out a few things but he’s always had that talent.
"I’m proud and happy to see the story that he’s written, and that hasn’t ended yet. It’s going to be very difficult, impossible even, to surpass his legacy."
And on the secret of his success, the former Inter Milan and Chelsea striker said: "The most important thing for me is his character. Everyone appreciates him, adores him as a player.
"But he’s a wonderful guy and I’m proud to still be among his friends."
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