Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o is hopeful that his former Barcelona team mates emerge victorious in this weekend’s UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United.

The repeat of the 2009 final, which Eto’o coincidentally scored in, will see Europe’s two best clubs meet at Wembley stadium in London.

Eto’o wants a Barcelona win, but is aware of the threat that the English champions will pose on Saturday night.

“I’ll be at the final in spirit because I have good friends who will be playing, so my heart will be with them,” the striker said in an interview Uefa.com.

“I definitely hope Barcelona win. But you never know what will happen. Both Manchester United and Barcelona have improved [since the 2009 final]. I hope it will be a beautiful final.”

The Cameroonian went on to heap praise on Barca’s Lionel Messi, whom he labelled, “the best player in the world”, and United’s Javier Hernandez.

“He’s having a wonderful season. I hope he enjoys the final because it’s an end-of-season gift and you never know when you’ll get another opportunity.”