Ex-Cameroon skipper, Samuel Eto’o, has denied claims he personally donated money or purchased plane tickets for his countrymen to return home from Libya.
Hundreds of Cameroonian migrants were reportedly subjected to inhuman treatments in the North African nation before last week’s rescue mission.
Fingers were immediately directed to the ex-Barcelona striker for the act of kindness.
However, the Antalyaspor star has debunked those claims via a post on Facebook.
“Several sites have circulated a rumor that I would have given money to every migrant returnee, in relation to a topical issue. This rumor is absolutely unfounded!” the 36-year-old wrote.
“I would therefore take advantage of this opportunity, dear brothers and sisters, to emphasize that love prevents more evils than money can solve.
“So let’s not waste our precious time looking for thrills at the expense of grieving people, but let us use this time to prevent other brothers from being deprived of their dignity.
“Let us not just react when we can prevent, because among these victims are certainly people who have been our neighbours at some point, but to whom we have not daigné to look kindly.
“Let us build our Africa by having a positive impact on each other!”
Currently interim-player-manager at his Turkish club, Eto’o is perhaps Africa’s greatest player of all time.
Among several honours, he was African champion twice, Africa Footballer of the Year four times and Olympic Gold medallist.
At club level, he has won the UEFA Champions League on three different occasions aside several domestic league and Cup titles.
