Emmanuel Adebayor, after 14 years, is extending an apology to Arsenal fans for his infamous goal celebration during his time at Manchester City.
Over the years, the Emirates Stadium has witnessed the presence of numerous legendary players, each leaving their mark on Arsenal’s storied history. However, few have incited the ire of the fanbase like Emmanuel Adebayor, who made headlines with his move to Manchester City.
The controversy began in July 2009 when Adebayor completed a £25 million transfer from Arsenal to Manchester City, declaring his ambition to “make history” with the latter.
Despite this strong statement, his tenure at Manchester City was brief, as he was loaned to Real Madrid and Tottenham in the subsequent years.
Adebayor’s football journey took a downturn, ultimately leading to a surprising turn of events in July 2021, when he found himself playing for Togolese Championnat National team Semassi. He retired from professional football on March 21, 2023, at the age of 39.
Even though Adebayor played for various clubs, including Arsenal’s rivals, his iconic goal celebration against Arsenal in 2009 remains a memorable event linked to his time at the North London club.
Now, in retirement, Emmanuel Adebayor is making amends, reaching out to Arsenal fans, seeking their forgiveness, and urging them to focus on the good memories they shared.
In an interview with Sky Sports News in Togo, Adebayor expressed his belief that fans can forgive the incident that transpired in 2009 when he sprinted the length of the pitch.
He emphasized the importance of standing up for one’s family, especially parents, against insults.
After the controversial celebration, Adebayor faced a £25,000 fine and a suspended two-match ban from the Football Association. He acknowledged his mistake, issued public apologies, and expressed remorse for the offensive abuse he received.
Looking back on the incident, Adebayor hopes that both he and the Arsenal fans can move past it. He believes that their shared passion for football can help bridge the divide, and he wishes them the best in the coming years.
