New Inter Milan [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] forward, who completed his swap deal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic [ Images ] on Monday, played against Mourinho's Chelsea [ Images ] 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 [ Images ].

"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 [ Images ] and may feature sooner, has taken the number nine shirt at the Serie A champions.