EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR has called on Arsenal fans to “forget” his famous celebration against them 14 years ago.
The former striker, 39, scored for Manchester City against the Gunners in 2009, just months after leaving the Emirates.
Bradley Ormesher – The TimesEmmanuel Adebayor scored for Man City against Arsenal just months after leaving the Gunners[/caption]
Bradley Ormesher – The TimesHe ran the length of the pitch and celebrated in front of the Arsenal fans[/caption]
And he celebrated his goal by running the full length of the pitch, before he ended up sliding on his knees in front of the Arsenal supporters.
Adebayor justified the antagonistic action by insisting it was in response to horrid chants the Arsenal fans were aiming at him about his mother and father.
He later revealed he had also suffered racist abuse during the game.
But now he is urging the Gunners faithful to move on from that moment.
And he has even backed them in the title race this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I think the fans can forget what happened in 2009 when I ran the length of the pitch.
“Today I will make it clear, I don’t think any human being would accept it if people were singing about and insulting your family, especially your mother and father. I would do anything for my mother and father.
“It’s behind me now, I hope it is behind them.
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ReutersAdebayor hung up his boots earlier this year[/caption]
“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 retired from football in March, scored 62 goals in 142 games during his three and a half years at Arsenal.
He then joined Man City for £25million and bagged 19 goals in 45 appearances at the Etihad.
Both of his former sides were battling it out for the Premier League title last season.
But Adebayor insists he wanted Arsenal to get over the line before they crumbled towards the end of the campaign.
And the ex-Togo international fears there may be some form of “curse” at the club as their 19-year wait for a league title rumbles on.
He added: “We were all rooting for them to win the league and they came very close.
“When it reached around January and February, I was telling all my friends, I hope these boys will not start dropping points. This is how it was with me when I was playing for Arsenal.
“So when they did start dropping points, I said listen to me, I don’t know whether there is a curse on the club but it’s going to be difficult for them to win the league.”
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