The 24-year-old has been in prolific form for his club, scoring 17 goals in as many games to help the champions top the Primera Liga table, and is shortlisted for what would be a record-breaking third African Footballer of the Year award.

"It has never been a question for me not to go to Egypt (for the African Nations Cup)," Cameroonian state radio reported Eto'o as telling journalists in Garoua during a Christmas trip to his home country.

"We players of the national team, we are carrying the hearts of Cameroonians in our blood. It is our duty to make them happy ... I am proud to defend the colours of my country whenever I am called upon and in all playing grounds around the world."

On Thursday, Spanish daily El Periodico quoted Eto'o as saying that he had not decided whether to continue with Barcelona's championship campaign or join his national team at the African Nations Cup.

Eto'o came third in FIFA's World Player of the Year awards in Germany on Monday behind winner Ronaldinho (Barcelona) and Frank Lampard (Chelsea).