It's an image etched in the memory of the Premier League.
Emmanuel Adebayorin the Manchester City jersey, crosses the entire field after scoring against Arsenal (September 12, 2009, 4-2 for the Skyblues) to go slide on your knees in front of the kop of Gunners furious. A cult gesture, but above all a personal revenge for a player who felt more than aggrieved by his former club. He returned to this moment at the microphone ofOptus to tell his side of the story.
A brutal break with Arsenal
It all started in the summer of 2009. “ After my superb season in 2008, everyone was calling me. AC Milan at the time of Kaká, Gattuso, Maldini, Shevchenko… They contacted me, but I said: “No, I’m good at Arsenal.” I went on vacation, and when I came back, I had a quick meeting with the boss. He told me: “We don’t need you anymore.” I replied: “Give me a chance to fight for my place.” But he insisted: “No, if you stay, you will not be in the team for the league, nor for the Champions League, nor for the Cups.” » Despite the warnings from his management, the former Messin still tried: « When we arrived at the training center, the doors were blocked. I was forbidden to enter. There, I understood that it was over. » Forced to leave the club and after refusing Milan's advances, Adebayor has no choice but to join Manchester City.
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The meeting against Arsenal is special: « That morning, when I got up, I was already seething inside. » A tension accentuated by the chants of the supporters of the Gunners. « They sang things about my parents. You can insult me, but not my parents. » (The supporters chanted: « Adebayor, Adebayor, his father washes elephants, his mother is a whore »Editor’s note). For many, this moment symbolized an excess of provocation, but not for Adebayor: « This celebration was a deliverance. People ask me if I regret it. I will never regret. » Accused of provocation, Adebayor receives four match suspension and a heavy fine. He points out the hypocrisy. « If this celebration had not happened, no one would talk about what happened that day. We talk about the fight against racism, but that day, it was. Saying that my father washes elephants isn't racism? »
Celebration more than justified.
Manchester City and Arsenal in reaction, but winners
