Eto'o: Song is not even among the best players in Cameroon

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o has lashed out at compatriot Alexandre Song by claiming that he is not a worldwide star.

The 31-year-old forward, who now plies his trade in Russia for Anzhi Makhachkala, has endured an uneasy relationship with the Barcelona midfielder ever since Song refused to shake his hand in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Senegal last year.

In an interview with Canal+, Eto'o insists that their rivalry is still as fierce as ever and laid down the gauntlet to Song.

When asked whether there was a dispute "between the two stars", the former Inter attacker responded by saying: "There is no conflict between two stars. Because I am one of the best players in the world, and Song is not even among the best players in Cameroon."

The players appeared to have made peace before the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Cape Verde but Eto'o is adamant that there has been no major reconciliation .

Reports suggest that Song had tried to steal the national captaincy from the striker, who was exiled for eight months after sparking a player's strike over wage demands.

Eto'o, the four-time African Player of the Year, is the all-time leading goalscorer in the Africa Cup of Nations with 18 goals.