In the summer of 2009, Togo national team star Emmanuel Adebayor left Arsenal for Manchester City. The North London club fans labeled him a traitor and the tension exploded when he celebrated a goal in front of the visiting Gunners fans on City’s 4-2 win over Arsenal.
Adebayor told Optus Sport his version of the story regarding why he exited the London club. He said after an incredible season in 2008 where he was crowned African Player of the Year, many big clubs showed interest:
“After my holiday, I went back to my the club. I had a quick meeting with the boss (Arsene Wenger). He said to me, we don’t want you anymore. I said to him give me a chance to fight for my place. He said no!”
Adebayor claimed Wenger was adamant to include him into the squad. He left after the club barred him from the training center. “I was not allowed to enter the Arsenal training ground. That is when I realized that it was over. My only choice was City back then.”
Adebayor was famous for running to the away end to celebrate a goal against his former employers in 2009. He went on to play for Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur. The former captain of Togo struck 24 league goals for Arsenal in the 2007/08 Premier League campaign.
That is an absolute disgrace on Arsenals behalf to make that decision for a player who had no itension of leaving its no wonder they cant win a title treating players like that.