Adebayor seeks fresh start in Madrid
Emmanuel Adebayor hopes to have put a turbulent 12 months behind him after completing what he described as a dream move to Real Madrid.
Adebayor was presented at the Bernabeu today after joining Madrid on loan until the end of the season from Manchester City, with the Spanish giants having the option to buy the 26-year-old in the summer.
The switch, which will see Adebayor help cover the loss of long-term injury victim Gonzalo Higuain, comes after a difficult 2010 for the former Togo captain both professionally and on a personal level.
He initially proved a massive hit at City following his £25million move from Arsenal 18 months ago, but Adebayor’s star faded after Roberto Mancini replaced Mark Hughes as manager.
Away from the pitch, Adebayor was scarred by tragedy last January after the Togo team bus was attacked by terrorists during the African Nations Cup in Angola.
Speaking today, Adebayor admitted his start to this year could hardly have been more different to 12 months ago.
“My dream has come true to be able to play football again at the highest level, especially with Real Madrid,” he said.
“After Arsenal, when I went to Man City, don’t get me wrong, it’s true that I had an up and down time, and I was nearly dead as well on the way to the African Nations Cup.
“I was a little bit traumatised by all those kinds if things and it was a very difficult moment for me and today all those kinds of things are behind me.
“2010 started very badly for me, but 2011 started very well by signing a contract with Real Madrid.
“Hopefully there’s a lot of good coming my way, so I have to praise God that I’m still alive and I get the chance to wear the white shirt of Real Madrid.
“I’m very honoured and very, very happy to join this club. And for all that has happened over the last six months today I’m more comfortable, more relieved and I’m very happy.”
When asked what went wrong for him under Mancini at City, Adebayor added: “I’m a footballer and what I need is to play football, to be out there on the pitch.
“What went wrong with Mancini and Manchester City? I don’t think there’s a lot of things wrong. Right now he’s lost confidence in me. He doesn’t have any confidence in me any more and he has decided to choose other players.
“So for me I’m very happy to be back again on the football pitch with Real Madrid and the chance to play football again.”
