Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o retires from internationals

FILE - A Saturday, April 19, 2014 photo from files showing Chelsea's Samuel Eto'o reacting to a decision by the referee Mike Dean, during an English Premier League soccer match against Sunderland at the Stamford Bridge ground in London. Everton strengthened its attacking options by signing Samuel Eto'o on a two-year deal on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014, after the striker was released by Premier League rival Chelsea. The 33-year-old Cameroon international, who scored 12 goals in 35 matches in his only season at Chelsea, is available to make his debut against the west London club on Saturday. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, File) (The Associated Press)

Everton's new signing Samuel Eto'o, right, and manager Roberto Martinez pose with a shirt following a press conference in Liverpool Wednesday Aug. 27, 2014. Everton strengthened its attacking options by signing Samuel Eto'o on a two-year deal after the striker was released by Premier League rival Chelsea. (AP Photo/Barry Coombs/PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT (The Associated Press)

Samuel Eto'o says he is retiring from international football, days after being left out of Cameroon's latest squad and stripped of the captaincy.

The 33-year-old forward made the announcement Wednesday on his Facebook page, saying "I wish to thank all Africans in particular and all my fans around the world for their love and unconditional support."

Eto'o made his debut a day before he turned 16 and went on to play more than 100 games for his country, scoring a record 56 goals. He played at four World Cups, won the African Cup of Nations twice and claimed an Olympic gold medal.

His talents were undeniable but Eto'o was also sometimes troublesome. He was once banned for 15 games by Cameroon for rallying players to go on strike.