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No Arsenal fan will mourn the departure of Emmanuel Adebayor.
Arsene Wenger brought him to London as a raw, gangly, little-known striker from the French league and, through diligence and careful nurturing, liberated him having first protected him.
In his early games, when Adebayor looked as if he could barely trap a ball (he's the new Kanu but without the talent, we said), Wenger helped the striker settle by playing him mostly in games away from Emirates Stadium.
Wenger's reward was for Adebayor to spend most of last summer agitating for a transfer. More money, of course, was what he wanted, much more. He never left but the fans never forgave him either: last season, when he wasn't injured, he played with all the conviction of a man who knew he was loathed.
The Nigeria-born Togo striker is the epitome of the modern-day mercenary footballer: loyal only to himself, always on the look-out for the next move, saying he loves the club and fans while keeping a keen eye on the exit gate.
The new Manchester City — owned in effect as it is by the oil-blessed autocracy Abu Dhabi — are the perfect club for him. If, as expected, he goes there he will take his place in a dressing room alongside such loveable and gracious figures as Craig Bellamy, Micah Richards and Robinho.
“It's not about the money,” Mark Hughes says each time he buys the transient loyalty of another player. This is cant: Hughes will discover, if he does not already know, that money might buy you Adebayor but it can't buy you love or respect.
Reader views (3)
Yes we acknowledge him for giving us some wonderful memories but he will always be remembered for his attitude i.e. not giving in his 100% which was followed by higher salary demands.
Good Luck, Ade.
- Hamad Khan, Dubai, 17/07/2009 22:14
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While Emmanuel Adebayor is one of the best striker africa have at presently now.that does not mean hes greater than the club,because no player is biger than a club for all Arsene Wenger has done for him,if this is how his going to let the club down at this stage and if the club decided to sell him now i think is ok,but Wenger should look for a better replancement for that position,thanks
- Ogbovoh Edafe Alexander, Delta state NIGERIA, 17/07/2009 21:53
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While Adebayor probably is mercenary and showed a distinct lack of commitment at times last year, in his Arsenal career he has given us innumerable moments of sublime skill and some great, match-winning goals (against Villareal, Man U, AC Milan etc etc). That, at least, should be acknowledged.
- Mchale Whiting, London, 17/07/2009 17:27
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