Emmanuel Adebayor, who scored for Manchester City against Arsenal in 2009, has appealed to Arsenal fans to let go of his controversial celebration during that match.
The Togolese striker made a high-profile move from Arsenal to City for £25 million, facilitated by the significant investment from City’s wealthy Abu Dhabi owners.
Adebayor faced taunts from Arsenal fans when he played against them for City at Etihad Stadium a few weeks into the following season. When he scored in City’s 4-2 victory, he ran almost the full length of the pitch to celebrate with a knee-slide in front of the Arsenal fans.
Following the incident, Adebayor received a £25,000 fine and a suspended two-match ban from the Football Association after being pelted with objects, including a plastic stool.
Years later, Adebayor, who retired from football at the age of 39 in March, expressed his hope that Arsenal fans can forgive him and move on from his infamous celebration.
‘I think the fans can forget what happened in 2009 when I ran the length of the pitch,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘It’s behind me now, I hope it is behind them. We all love football and every once in a while when they see that celebration on television and social media, hopefully now they can laugh it off and move on.’
‘That’s what I wish for the Arsenal fans and I wish them the best of luck this year.’
Adebayor, who played for Arsenal between 2006 and 2009 where he scored 62 times in 142 matches, expressed his desire for Arsenal’s success. He also acknowledged that he wanted Arsenal to win the Premier League title last season, showing his continued fondness for the club.
