New Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o said on Tuesday it would be an honour to play for Jose Mourinho after denying he had criticised the Portuguese coach's style of football.
The former Barcelona forward, who completed his swap deal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Monday, played against Mourinho's Chelsea side in some notably fractious European matches while in Spain.
"I never said that I didn't like Mourinho's style of play. For years I have had the chance to play for him but it never happened before now. I want to repay his faith," the Cameroonian told a packed news conference at Inter's training ground.
"For me it is an honour to have him as coach."
The 28-year-old did not agree with those who say Serie A has suffered a drop in class compared to Spain but was aware that the occasional racist abuse he received in the Primera Liga could re-emerge in Italy.
"The level of Serie A has not got worse. There are many strong players. It's true that I've played my whole career in Spain but I played lots of internationals," he said.
"I will speak up when there are problems. I am proud of the colour of my skin. Racism is a problem of education more than anything else, I expect politicians to sort it out."
Eto'o, who is likely to play in the Italian Super Cup against Lazio on Aug. 8 in Beijing and may feature sooner, has taken the number nine shirt at the Serie A champions.