Martin Etonge BBC Sport, Yaounde

Eto'o wants to bring up a new generation of stars

Speaking at the academy's launch in Yaound�, Eto'o said its initial intake will comprise of 300 boys aged 10-13.

The academy will cast its net across the whole country and recruit aspiring footballers who will also be involved in health and social activities.

Cameroon international Eto'o said: "The most promising boys will be moved to Europe for professional careers."

The cost of setting up the academy, which will be based in the southern town of Kribi, 260km from Yaound�, was not disclosed.

"As a footballer, the best I can do for youths in Cameroon is to give them a platform where they can learn how to play football and make a living out of it," Eto'o said.

Eto'o is back in Cameroon after a hugely succesful season in Spain where he won the La Liga title and the Champions League crown with Barcelona.

He also became the first African to win the prestigious Pichichi award given to the top goalscorer in Spain's top division.

Eto'o was honoured for his achievements at a special banquet in the Cameroon capital on Wednesday.

The prolific striker was also presented with the 2005 African Footballer of the Year Award which he won for the third year running and dedicated it to all his team-mates.

"I hear that every time I'm playing even taxi drivers stop their work to support Barcelona.