Adebayor: It was difficult to move, but that's football

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has admitted that it was a difficult decision for him to move to Manchester City.

The Togolese international was sold to City for a reported £25 million in a move that reportedly makes him the highest-paid player in English football.

And Adebayor says that he feels no added pressure carrying such an expensive price tag, confident that he will score goals and help City become of the top clubs in world football.

He said: "I am very happy, very pleased to be here. I signed for Manchester City because I think they are a team that needs players like this.

"We are here to achieve, we will take it from here and see what we can do. I have to fight for this club now, show that I want to bring trophies to this club.

"(The manager and the chairman said) that maybe in one or two years Man City could be one of the best teams in the world.

"This season I would love for us to be in the top four. We know it is not going to be easy.

"It was a little bit difficult, but at the end of the day, it's a game, and they really need money as well. I had a good discussion with Arsène, I have all his blessing to leave the club.

"I went through a lot of good moments in Arsenal and a lot of difficult moments as well. I'm very happy to have been a player who played for Arsenal, because the fans were always great to me - the manager, everyone, the players - and if I can just wish them the best of luck.

"They know no matter what happened, they will always be in my heart because I love the club.

"I am very pleased, very happy [to be at Manchester City]. Every time a player moves, they want to feel at home, and today I felt I was coming home.

"I know that they will be waiting for me to see what I contribute on the pitch, but don't worry, I'm a player, I'll do my best."

User Comments

Lee

Posted on 20 Jul, 2009 at 06:47 AM - Reply

So easy to say now... but when he was wandering around, headbutting Bentner, being caught off-side etc. he was diggin his own hole.

I doubt he wanted to leave, especially for City, but you act like a petulant kid - your going to be treated like one.

Nice work Wenger - this is a positive move for Arsenal.

4everGooner - get a life... throwing money at a problem doesn't solve anything.... Ade cost us 5 million... Man Utd spent 30 million on Veron, 20 million on Forlan and what did they achieve? Shevchenko - 30 million... and Chelsea were top four before Roman came along.....

ShifuArsenal

Posted on 19 Jul, 2009 at 04:59 PM - Reply

I am a little confused with Ade sale to ManC. I thought AC Milan wanted him for £25M but Arsenal were unwilling to sell.

It was a shame Ade dedcided to leave. I feel he was forced out by a section of the Arsenal fans who blamed him for Arsenal poor 2008/09 season. Football is a team sport and all the players should take the blame not just Ade.

Ade is one of Arsenal's senior players. Last season fans were crying out for more senior players in the team and again Arsenal let another one go. It would be nice to start the season without seeing the squad weakened.

Well its goodby Ade, thanks for your service and goodluck for the future!!

billp79

Posted on 19 Jul, 2009 at 02:22 PM - Reply

sadly it is what happens when you let a small amout of success go to your head...you start thinking your above the frey, then your performance drops off...you start whining about clubs who want you, then you become a distraction...the way he spoke was nothing more than self-preservation of his ego.
it will be interesting how that ego matches up to the others at MC.

joshuad

Posted on 19 Jul, 2009 at 12:14 PM - Reply

4evergooner, you're wrong. Chelsea was a good team before Abramovich came in with his millions. The season before he bought Chelsea, they finished fourth in the league. In fact, the difference betweeen Chelsea and Man City is that Chelsea was already a good team with a very strong core. Man City is building from scratch.

hamington

Posted on 19 Jul, 2009 at 12:09 PM - Reply

We all understand Ade, our manager wanted you but some of fans wanted you out.

noel from cork

Posted on 19 Jul, 2009 at 09:42 AM - Reply

good riddance!!!!!

Riddhi Kotecha

Posted on 19 Jul, 2009 at 05:11 AM - Reply

henry goes and now itz adebayor :(

Kamoru atanda garuba

Posted on 19 Jul, 2009 at 01:45 AM - Reply

I'm a gunner fans but the way he talk touches my heart ,I wish him best of luck

Gunz

Posted on 19 Jul, 2009 at 01:40 AM - Reply

YES!! Now we can move on! Best of luck MANU...

besai

Posted on 19 Jul, 2009 at 01:08 AM - Reply

from the interview i get the impression that he didnt really want to leave, but was forced out the club

4ever GOONER

Posted on 19 Jul, 2009 at 12:23 AM - Reply

Guys, I don't think its all Ade's fault. He was the one who helped us when Henry leaved. We cant forget his work and sucrifice for the team. The problem is in that damn board. Arsenal is 3rd most exspensive club in the world valued about 1.000.000.000 euros. They are making about 100 millions just for selling tickets and they cant spare 40 millions for once in 5 years to get 2 top class players. Put yourself in his position and decide will u play for such a club for 170.000 a week. Dont forget how chelsea bacme one of top 4. they were nothing till Abramovich bought them and invested billions in new signings. Arsenal's biggest problem is board. As soon as someone willing risking some money for trophies come along we are doomed for cursing players leaving for that kinda money

adrian

Posted on 18 Jul, 2009 at 11:29 PM - Reply

This all sounds very familiar from Ade. its a shame he didn't feel that way on the pitch for arsenal last year. I hope his new persona lasts, but i doubt it.

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