Eto'o pipped at the post
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-05-31 13:31

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, who was pipped at the post by Diego Forlan to be the Primera Liga top scorer, has congratulated the Villarreal striker.

Barcelona player Samuel Eto'o from Cameroon, center, talks with his teammate Jose Edmilson from Brazil, left, during their last Spanish League soccer match of the season against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian, Spain, Saturday, May 28, 2005. The match ended in 0-0 draw. [AP]

The former Manchester United forward capped a remarkable season for Villarreal by being named as the division's 'Pichichi' with two goals on Sunday against Levante which also helped his side to secure a place in the Champions League.

Eto'o led the goalscoring charts for three-quarters of the season, but just stumbled at the finishing line, and a penalty miss against Villarreal just over a week ago left him on 24 goals for the campaign.

Forlan's brace took him to 25 goals, and Eto'o was magnanimous.

"That is life and that is the way it goes, I will have more seasons and more leagues. I am pleased for Forlan, he has had a great season and deserves the award as would (Ricardo) Oliveira, Ronaldo and myself," said Eto'o.

"I agree I tried too hard to score at the end and against Villarreal I was obsessed about shooting every time and not playing as usual."

"Against Real (Sociedad, a goalless draw at the weekend) I had some clear chances but luck was not on my side."

"I still have many years ahead to be top scorer. I have been very near but in the end it has not been possible. I would prefer the league a million times more than the 'Pichichi' as it is a collective title rather than individual."

"On their own, the individual titles are worth nothing as what is the point of scoring 50 goals if you do not win the league."

Eto'o is also clearly already looking forward to next season, and has his eye on more silverware.

"Next season the objective is to win at least one title, the Champions League or the league or both, we cannot take the foot off the accelerator now."

"Next season there will be more competition in the team but I enjoy the challenges and also Henrik (Larsson) is compatible with me and we can play together."

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