Adebayor hopes Arsenal fans will forgive 2009 provocation

Former striker Emmanuel Adebayor hopes Arsenal fans will forgive him for his controversial celebration after scoring for Man City in the Premier League in 2009.

Before hanging up his boots in March with his hometown club Togo Semassi, Adebayor played for three of England's top clubs - Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham. His most important career goals were scored for Arsenal, but the relationship between the two sides later broke down. Arsenal fans believe the Togolese star moved to Manchester City for money.

Adebayor's provocative celebration in front of Arsenal fans. Photo: AFP

In 2009, in the first match against Man City at the Etihad Stadium, Adebayor ran the length of the pitch to celebrate a goal in a provocative manner in front of Arsenal fans. Afterwards, the Football Association fined him $32,000 and suspended him for two matches. According to Adebayor, this action was in response to Arsenal fans cursing his family from the stands. "I think the fans can forget what happened in 2009," the 39-year-old former striker told Sky Sports on October 14. "This time I will make this clear. I think no one in this world accepts other people insulting their family, especially their parents. I am willing to do anything for them."

"It's over. I hope those who witnessed it can laugh it off and move on. That's what I expect from Arsenal fans. I also wish them all the best this year," he added, referring to his wish for Arsenal to win the Premier League and Champions League titles this season.

Adebayor hopes Arsenal fans will forgive 2009 provocation

Last season, Arsenal led until round 33. However, injuries and a drop in form caused Mikel Arteta's team to lose steam, and they finished five points behind Man City. According to Adebayor, this happened when he played for Arsenal from 2006 to 2009. However, considering how they entered the race with Man City, he still had good comments for the "Gunners". "Where they came from and what they did last season was amazing," Adebayor added. "They finished second and were very close to winning the championship."

Adebayor was one of the first generation of stars to join City after the UAE conglomerate poured money into the club. He only played for City for a season and a half, but still saw himself as part of the project, so he was delighted when City won the treble last season.

Regarding Tottenham, Adebayor sympathized with the sale of Harry Kane. He even thought that Kane should have left earlier to enjoy success. "Kane is a Premier League legend. But as a legend, you have to talk about what you have won," Adebayor said. "If you look at the number of goals Kane has scored and know he has not won any titles, you will be surprised."

Martinelli (red shirt) scored in the Arsenal 1-0 Man City match on October 8. Photo: Arsenal

Tottenham and Arsenal are currently leading the 2023-2024 Premier League, with 20 points after eight rounds. Man City is third, with two points less. On October 8, in round eight, Arsenal defeated Man City 1-0.

In addition to the three teams mentioned above, Adebayor has played for Monaco, Real Madrid and Crystal Palace in Europe. He reached the Champions League final with Monaco, the League Cup final with Arsenal and the FA Cup final with Crystal Palace. However, he only won one club title, the 2010-2011 King's Cup with Real. On an individual level, Adebayor won the African Player of the Year award in 2007 and 2008.

Thanh Quy (according to Sky Sports )

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