Eto'o girlfriend foils Jose overtures

Samuel Eto'o has revealed that he turned down a move to Chelsea because his girlfriend was unwilling to give up the Catalan lifestyle.

Jose Mourinho wanted the Barcelona striker in a £30million deal but the Cameroon star instead opted to extend his stay at the Nou Camp until 2010.

Eto'o said: "The most important thing isn't money. Georgette put her foot down over the idea of going to a city like London and I have to respect her. I had an offer from Chelsea but I always was clear I wanted to stay at Barca."

Eto'o, 24, will see his wages rise to around £70,000 in his new deal and will leave Chelsea determined to land their other targets.

Mourinho's top priority for the summer remains Lyon midfielder Michael Essien. The French champions claim they have rejected a £17m bid for the Ghanian and it will take a bid in excess of £20m to prise him away.