[azzurri]

Samuel Eto'o insists the signing of Thierry Henry would not force him to leave Barcelona, after revealing he snubbed a move to Chelsea as he is not a fan of Jose Mourinho.

The Cameroon international was a summer target for the Premiership champions, who were prepared to line Barca's pockets handsomely to land Eto'o.

But the striker was not interested in moving to Stamford Bridge, citing several reasons for his decision to shun Chelsea's overtures.

Among the factors in declining The Blues' offer was his lack of admiration for the way Mourinho conducts himself, although he did not rule out working with the Chelsea boss in the future.

"I stay at Barcelona because I still feel at ease in that club and I know that league," Eto'o told L'Equipe. "I built myself here.

"Beyond the millions I could have earned at Chelsea, I would have to discover a new culture and force my family to adapt to a new life. That was complex.

"Moreover, Mourinho has a way of talking that is not necessarily pleasant. I told him that to his face in the tunnel last season in the Champions League return match at Chelsea.

"But Mourinho can become my coach one day."

There have been rumours that Eto'o's place in the Barca team could be under threat next season, with the Catalan giants purportedly hoping to sign Arsenal captain Henry.

The France international's arrival at Camp Nou would provide fierce competition for Eto'o but it is not something that would perturb him.

He added: "I don't care if Thierry Henry could come to Barca, or if [Diego] Maradona would make his comeback here.

"If Henry comes it is nice for him. I am here to play. To me that doesn't change anything.

"I am here to play and as long as I will be here, I will play.

"Do you think Thierry Henry could make me leave? Henry could also come here and be on the bench. Do you think it would be logical that I would stay on the bench?"