African football legend Samuel Eto'o has penned a message to his son after he was handed a first-team call-up in Spain on Sunday.
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Etienne Eto'o, 22, was named in Rayo Vallecano's squad to take on Real Sociedad in LALIGA on the weekend.
The forward did not make it off the bench, but his famous father, president of football in Cameroon, did react to his call-up by posting a heartening message on social media.
Taking to Instagram, Samuel Eto'o, who remains the most lethal African striker in LALIGA history, said he was proud of his son's achievement after it was confirmed he would be in Vallecano's squad.
"This August 18, opportunity makes 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 to you that my status as a father, with the authority and subsequent responsibilities will never vary," he wrote, according to Actu Cameroon.
"We live in a world where selfish and fleeting battles reign supreme. You are the sole master of your destiny. Through your work, you will build your own trajectory and your destiny. No one will give you any gifts.
"You must be impervious to their manipulations and instrumentalisations against your family and those who love you. 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 symbolism: it's your birthday. And, on this birthday, you will probably play your first match in a first division club.
"My emotion as a father cannot prevent me from reminding 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 be done. Receive all the strength of my Love. Dad"
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Vallecano went on to produce a stunning result in their opening match of the LALIGA campaign, beating Sociedad 2-1 away from the home, although Etienne Eto'o remained an unused substitute.
