Eto'o Said, Martinez Was Great But Don't Ignore Suarez

JAKARTA - Former Barcelona and Inter forward Samuel Eto'o praised Lautaro Martinez, but said Luis Suarez deserved more respect for his contributions.

Martinez, 22, has been linked with a move to the La Liga giants. The Inter forward is seen as a long-term replacement for Suarez.

Now 33 years old, Suarez arrived at the Camp Nou from Liverpool in 2014. He has won four La Liga titles and one Champions League with the club.

Eto'o, who spent five seasons at Barca and two at Inter during his playing career, said Martinez was talented, but Suarez's contribution could not be ignored.

"I like Suarez, he is one of the best in the world in his position," the former Cameroon international told Catalunya Radio on Wednesday.

Después de tanto esfuerzo, sacrificio y trabajo ya por fin tengo el alta 💪💪💪🔴🔵 # siemprepositivo #esfuerzomaximo #focusfuture After so much effort, sacrifice and work I have finally registered alta #alwayspositive 💪💪🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/ piOWSJk39E

- Luis Suarez (@ LuisSuarez9) June 6, 2020

"Barca always have to strengthen their team, but they don't need to reject a general like Luis Suarez. In his position he is a general and you cannot compare him to anyone."

Samuel Eto'o

"Lautaro is doing very well with Inter and has a future, but people have a tendency to forget recent history and Luis wrote history, not just at Barca, but in football. That has to be admitted.

"That doesn't prevent bringing in other players to add competition to the group, knowing how many games Barca have, but little respect for those who have written history."

Suarez has scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists in 23 games before this season was suspended due to the aftermath of COVID-19.

Martinez, meanwhile, bagged 16 goals in 31 games for Inter, also providing two assists.