Chelsea new boy Eto'o reveals how he was close to being a Gunner once upon a time

Samuel Eto'o has admitted that he came within hours of joining Arsenal before he signed for Mallorca back in 2000.
The new Chelsea striker - then 19 - was allowed to leave Real Madrid after failing to make the breakthrough at the Spanish giants and Arsenal were in pole position for his signature.

But Eto'o had spent the second half of the 1999-2000 season at Mallorca and he has told The Sun that a chat with their coach Luis Aragones led to him signing permanently in a decision that 'changed everything'.

Career path: Chelsea's new signing Samuel Eto'o has revealed he almost joined Arsenal earlier in his career

in training: Eto'o at Cobham with his new team-mates last week

Success: Eto'o chose Mallorca over Arsenal before moving to Barcelona in 2004

'I met Luis (who went on to coach Spain) at a crucial moment in my life where I had to take the right direction - and thanks to him I did,' said Eto'o.
'I was about to sign that very afternoon at Arsenal and maybe I would never have been the player I am today. Luis picked me, then I ended up joining Barcelona. That decision changed everything.'

Eto'o spent four years at Mallorca before a transfer to Barcelona in 2004.

Peak: Eto'o enjoyed his best years at Barcelona, where he won three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues

It was at Barca where Eto'o would reach his peak, winning two Champions League titles and three La Liga titles before linking up with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Inter in 2009.

The 32-year-old Cameroonian won a third Champions League medal at Inter before spending two years in Russia with Anzhi Makhachkala.
Eto'o joined Chelsea on a free transfer last month and is expected to make his debut at Everton on Saturday.

In line: Eto'o is expected to make his debut at Goodison Park