With Emmanuel Adebayor’s future in England up in the air, the former Togo international remains determined to leave his mark on English football even if the FA Cup final proves to be his final game in the country.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Adebayor discusses his desire to leave a mark on England much like fellow African striker Didier Drogba. Adebayor explains:
My experience in English football has been beautiful and I would love to hit and beat that target to be remembered in English football like Didier Drogba.
Adebayor continues to discuss whether or not he’ll remain in the country following his short-term with Crystal Palace, claiming to have offers from clubs in other countries. He continues:
It is definitely possible [that I move abroad] but you know my love for English football. I am doing everything possible to stay but, if not, I can only say thanks to all the fans, all the journalists, those who criticised me, those who fight for and defend me.
If I have to remain in England; fine. If I have to move on; fine. I came from somewhere to come to England, if I have to move somewhere from England, why not?
At the end of the day I am happy and in a good moment in English football. I am lucky to still be alive. I am blessed. We are all human beings, no-one is perfect, we make mistakes. I have learned my lessons and that’s it. We all move on in our separate ways.
With the FA Cup final set to take place this Saturday at Wembley, Adebayor discusses how “crazy” it would be to win the FA Cup with Crystal Palace following cup defeats with former clubs Tottenham, Manchester City, and Arsenal.
If it ends up being my last match in English football, winning the FA Cup, it would be beautiful. What a story,” he said.
At Arsenal I couldn’t win it with them, I went to City and couldn’t win it with them, I went to Tottenham and couldn’t win it. Coming to win it with Crystal Palace is crazy isn’t it?
At my age now I have to win it. There is no way of saying ‘maybe tomorrow’. There is no ‘maybe tomorrow’ for me, with what I have done already with the league, I don’t think I have three or four FA Cups in me.
Now is the right moment for me, let me go and do what I need to do to grab it.
Following signing with Crystal Palace back in January, Adebayor has made a total of 12 Premier League appearances, scoring only one goal and registering one assist. The Togo international has had an inconsistent stint with the Eagles, coming on and off of the bench to replace an injured or tired Dwight Gayle or Connor Wickham.
Adebayor hasn’t earned himself a huge contract with Crystal Palace next season, however, if the 32-year-old is willing to accept a lower contract, the Eagles may look to snatch him up as a squad player next season.
Although a squad position with Crystal Palace next season may look enticing, with “multiple clubs” from other countries looking to sign Adebayor, he might find himself a better deal financially somewhere else.
Adebayor was enjoyable to watch with Crystal Palace, however, the return of the former Togo international might not be what Crystal Palace need. With Pardew ready to create a squad exodus, Adebayor may be on his way out at Selhurst Park.
