Samuel Eto'o has revealed that he turned down the chance to join Arsenal in 2000.

The striker, who was with Real Madrid at the time, admitted that he was just hours from signing a contract with the Gunners before Mallorca persuaded him to stay in Spain.

The 32-year-old, who joined Chelsea last month, told The Sun: "I met [then Mallorca boss] Luis [Aragones] at a crucial moment in my life where I had to take the right direction, and thanks to him I did.

"I was about to sign that very afternoon at Arsenal and maybe I would have never been the player I am today. Luis picked me, then I ended up joining Barcelona. That decision changed everything.

"I had lots of opportunities to come to England, but I am glad to finally be here now."

Jose Mourinho has said that Eto'o will make his debut against Everton later today.