Former Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor has opened up about the challenges he faced during his exit from Arsenal, attributing his departure to the harsh decisions made by then-manager Arsène Wenger during the 2008/2009 Premier League season.
Adebayor, who scored an impressive 30 goals across all competitions in the 2007/08 season, played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s near-success in the Premier League and their journey to the Champions League semi-finals.
Despite his contributions, the forward was stunned by Wenger’s decision to exclude him from the first team upon his return from vacation.
Speaking to Optus Sports, Adebayor recalled the unexpected conversation with Wenger.
“I had a fantastic season in 2008; everyone was calling me,” he said. “Milan, when Milan was great with Kaká, Gattuso, Maldini, and Shevchenko, but I said I wasn’t leaving, I was staying at Arsenal.”
However, he added, Wenger informed him, “I don’t need you anymore,” and denied him the opportunity to fight for his place in the squad.
Adebayor’s efforts to remain at the club were further thwarted when he was barred from entering Arsenal’s training facilities.
“That’s when I realized it was over,” he said, describing the experience as a difficult chapter in his career.
