According to a report by Barca Universal on Friday, October 30, 2026, Barcelona legend Samuel Eto’o has opened up about his difficult early experience at Real Madrid after moving to Spain at the age of 16, revealing that no club official came to receive him at the airport.

The former Cameroon international said he arrived in Spain expecting someone from Real Madrid to pick him up at Barajas Airport but was left alone when nobody turned up.

Eto’o admitted that he was frightened and unsure of what to do until an African street cleaner working at the airport offered him assistance.

“When I travelled to Spain at the age of 16, no Real Madrid official or representative came to meet me at Barajas Airport,” he said, as quoted by SPORT.

Real Madrid scouts had identified Eto’o as a promising young player and brought him to Spain to strengthen the club's reserve team.

However, his early experience at the Santiago Bernabeu proved challenging, as he struggled to establish himself before being sent on loan to Leganes after his first season.

Despite the difficulties he encountered, the former Barcelona striker said he has no resentment towards the Spanish giants.

“I harbour no ill will towards Real Madrid,” he stated.

Eto’o also explained that the experience contributed to his development both on and off the pitch, teaching him valuable lessons about independence and perseverance.

“That experience helped me grow, both personally and as a footballer,” he concluded.

The Cameroonian eventually enjoyed an outstanding career, establishing himself as one of the most successful forwards of his generation through spells at Barcelona and Inter Milan.