Emmanuel Adebayor says he influenced Marvin Senaya’s decision to choose Ghana

Former Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor says he played a decisive role in Marvin Senaya’s decision to represent Ghana rather than Togo.

The AJ Auxerre full-back has been at the centre of attention in the Togolese sports media since choosing to play for the Black Stars. His name had also appeared on a list of players called up by Togo, while his father, a former Togo international, had backed the decision.

Adebayor, who played for Manchester City, Arsenal and Monaco, said the possibility of playing at a World Cup was the main factor in Senaya’s choice. He made the comments during an interview with Ghanaian outlet 3Sports on Monday.

The former Togo striker also revealed that he had been closely involved in the player’s decision through a mutual connection.

“I was not part of the decision; in reality, I made the decision for him,” Adebayor said.

“He is close to someone I helped a lot in Togo, someone I sent to Europe and whose entire education I paid for. That person has now become his godfather.

“So whenever Marvin needs anything, he goes through that person to contact me. So when the time came, it was obvious.”