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African football legend Samuel Eto’o believes the game has the power to unite people as political upheavals divide millions across the continent.<\/span><\/p>\n Speaking in Lagos, Eto’o says football gives respite to a continent bursting with life but burdened by challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n “There’s no perfect continent or country in the world (and) I believe this beautiful game can unite people of Africa like nothing else,” said Eto’o.<\/span><\/p>\n “Football has a massive power to create unity out of division, joy from sadness and turn a multi-cultural community into one.<\/span><\/p>\n “I know politicians too are equally aware that meeting the expectations of the people is crucial and football gives them a chance to connect with them.”<\/span><\/p>\n Eto’o is regarded as one of the greatest footballers to come out of the continent after an outstanding career in Europe.<\/span><\/p>\n He left his native Cameroon at the age of 16 for Spanish giants Real Madrid, before establishing himself in Spain, Italy, Russia and England.<\/span><\/p>\n Eto’o had a trophy-laden professional career in Spain and Italy, but enjoyed much of his club success at Barcelona, where he played from 2004 to 2009.<\/span><\/p>\n His trophies with the Catalan club include three La Liga crowns and two European Champions League titles.<\/span><\/p>\n He also won the Champions League, under Jose Mourinho, at Inter Milan in 2010, and has an Olympic gold medal, which he won with Cameroon in 2000.<\/span><\/p>\n “Football is a powerful religion – it preaches peace, bonding and love,” he told BBC Sport.<\/span><\/p>\n “It has also given opportunity to a lot of African professionals to help inspire the young ones, build their community and give the next generation something to hope for.<\/span><\/p>\n “In Africa we all play football as kids in any part of the continent without any idea what the future holds.<\/span><\/p>\n “We need to properly use this game to engage our youth, unite the people and share in the power of football.”<\/span><\/p>\n Eto’o’s career also included spells in Turkey and Qatar and the former forward is the all-time leading goalscorer in Africa Cup of Nations history with 18 goals.<\/span><\/p>\n He appeared at four World Cup finals with the Indomitable Lions – 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014 – playing in eight matches and scoring three goals.<\/span><\/p>\n