Former Inter striker Samuel Eto’o has given his thoughts on the decision of former Inter boss to return to Serie A to join Roma.

In an exclusive interview published in yesterday’s print edition of Madrid-based newspaper AS, the former Cameroonian international stated that he felt somewhat sad at seeing the Portuguese manager at an Italian club other than Inter.

Mourinho returns to Serie A having left the league on a high note, winning the treble in 2010 in a season where Eto’o was a key player for the Nerazzurri.

The Portuguese joins Roma after spells on the bench at Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, and will hope that he can replicate some of the success he saw in Italy with Inter.

Eto’o joined Inter off the back of having won the treble with Barcelona, and his feelings towards the club and his former manager reflect a feeling that he still regards the club and his accomplishments with it as special:

“It hurt me, I won’t lie,” the Cameroonian explained, “to see the man who gave me the opportunity to win in Italy go to another team.”

“But I know that he is happy, and friendship comes first.”

Eto’o continued: “I would have liked to have seen Mourinho at Inter. At Roma, I wish him nothing but good luck. Still he must understand that, as much as I love him, Inter will always come first for me.”