( 123over )Rayo Vallecano striker Etienne Eto’o has confirmed he has a good relationship with his father Samuel Eto’o. 123over

Rayo Vallecano forward Etienne Eto’o, 22, has revealed he has a good relationship with former Barcelona striker and current president of the Cameroon Football Association, Samuel Eto’o, despite his father often being in the news, Cadena Cope reported on Friday.

Eto’o made headlines over a year ago when his 21-year-old daughter Annie, who is born to a different mother to Etienne, sued the former Barcelona forward over child support, but the 22-year-old insists he has no problem with his dad over the matter.

‘The relationship with him is very good now. The mental stability has helped me a lot because it coincides with the best time for me,’ Etienne said. ‘It makes me proud to carry my father’s surname and I know he is very proud and excited about this new period for me.’

Although Etienne started playing football later than his father, he still watched Eto’o play and had the opportunity to learn from his father. ‘Seeing everything his father did from the beginning, for me he was a good example and his example helped me move forward because I always wanted to be a footballer. ‘

‘I was born in Mallorca, I’m Cameroonian and I feel like I’m Cameroonian but also Spanish. My father played for Cameroon and one of my challenges is to win titles with Cameroon and tell myself and others that I can do it.’

Etienne also spoke about Rayo Vallecano’s trip to Real Madrid in the La Liga on Sunday: ‘Everyone dreams of playing at a stadium like the (Santiago) Bernabéu. This year has been a dream. I am very grateful to Inigo (Perez) for seeing something in me and giving me this opportunity. ‘

Inigo handed Etienne his first-team debut in a 5-0 Copa del Rey win over Villamuriel in October, and he made his La Liga debut as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat at Villarreal. ( 123over )