Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor is the latest signing for Manchester City as the former Arsenal forward completed a reported £25million switch from North London to Eastlands. Adebayor joins Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry as Mark Hughes latest signings – with the Eastlands clubs targeting a top four finish.
Adebayor hit 10 goals in 26 games last season in the Premier League, although it was the 2007/08 season where everyone started to take note of the former Monaco man. Arsenal finished third in 2007/08, largely thanks to Adebayor’s 26 goals. The lanky striker also played in the 2006 World Cup finals for his country, the first time Togo had qualified for the finals. Togo are currently second in a very competitive group featuring Gabon, Morocco and struggling Cameroon.
Adebayor claimed he was delighted to have signed for Manchester City and took a swipe at Arsenal supporters with his remarks for the City faithful. “It made me feel really welcome and special and I can’t wait to play for City’s fans and show them what I can do. I was born to play football and that is what I want to do. I have come here to make history for this club and those supporters. It is what the chairman and the manager told me that they want too and I can’t wait to get started.”
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes complimented the striker’s attitude and claimed that Adebayor is one of the ‘best strikers in the premier league’: “Emmanuel has been one of the top forwards in the Premier League since he arrived from France and we are delighted he has agreed to come and join us. Along with the other signings we have made in the last two windows he will greatly enhance our ability to compete with the top sides. His arrival is another clear indication that we are determined to augment the players we have here with the best of international talent. He adds vital balance and power to our attack. He has everything a top forward needs. He is versatile, powerful, quick and agile on the ball. I am looking forward to working with him as are the rest of the staff. He will definitely add a new dimension to our play. I have been a great admirer for a long time.”
