Emmanuel Adebayor has opened up about his controversial departure from Arsenal, revealing that he was barred from the club's training ground by Arsene Wenger.
The former African Player of the Year joined the Gunners in 2006 and had a memorable stint, particularly during the 2007-08 season when he scored 30 goals across all competitions.
Despite attracting interest from major European clubs following that campaign, Adebayor signed a long-term contract to remain at Arsenal.
However, his relationship with Wenger soured the following year, culminating in a bitter exit. Speaking to Sky Sports, Adebayor recounted a pivotal meeting with Wenger after returning from holiday.
“I had a great season in 2008. Everyone was calling me – Milan, other big clubs – but I said I wasn’t going. I was staying with Arsenal,” Adebayor said.
“Then Wenger told me, ‘I don’t need you anymore.’ I was shocked and asked myself, ‘Wow, what am I going to do?'”
Despite his willingness to stay and fight for his place in the team, the Togolese striker said Wenger made it clear that there was no way back for him.
“He said if I stayed, I wouldn’t be in the squad for the league, the Champions League, or any cup competitions,” Adebayor explained.
Things came to a head when Adebayor attempted to report for training the next day, only to find himself barred from entering the training ground.
“I decided to give it a chance and try to force my way back in, but when I returned the next day, they blocked the gate. I wasn’t allowed to enter the Arsenal training ground facility. That’s when I realized it was over,” he revealed.
Adebayor eventually left Arsenal in 2009 to join Manchester City in a high-profile move, but his departure from the North London club remains one of the most talked-about exits in Premier League history.
