SOCCER:EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR says Arsenal must bolster their squad in the summer transfer window following their Champions League defeat to Manchester United, and expressed his own desire to stay and fight for silverware.
The Togolese striker, who joined from Monaco in January 2006 and is still to win a trophy, has endured a difficult season because of injuries, loss of form and question marks over his future. He feels that he and the team have gone backwards.
But in the depressing aftermath of the semi-final elimination on Tuesday, Adebayor articulated his determination to make amends. “Before I signed for Arsenal, I can remember people telling me I had a chance to win things,” he said. “Now, I am empty-handed. I don’t have any reason to leave until I have got trophies.
“Arsenal put me where I am today, they make me one of the biggest strikers in the world and I have to pay them back. How am I going to pay them back? Make them win trophies. Next season, 100 per cent, I am an Arsenal footballer.”
Arsenal lost a clutch of established players last summer, including Alex Hleb and Mathieu Flamini. Although the manager, Arsene Wenger, signed Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey, among others, and added Andrey Arshavin in January, he has been accused of lacking depth and experience to challenge for the major prizes. Arsenal finished last season four points off the Premier League pace and were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.
They currently sit 12 points behind the league leaders, United, and have played one game more. Adebayor, who scored 30 goals last season, compared to 16 this, was asked whether he felt backward steps had been taken.
“Not only me, I think the team,” he replied. “We need some players. With Hleb gone to Barcelona, Flamini gone to Milan, it was quite difficult for the rest to play and the team was quite young. We have tried to give our best and don’t forget, on a personal level, I’ve been injured three times during the season.”
Adebayor, who may yet be sold, disappointed as a lone striker in both legs of the Champions League tie with United. “Sometimes, it’s a little bit difficult when you are on your own up front, especially against defenders like Vidic and Ferdinand,” he admitted.
Meanwhile, Adebayor’s fellow Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has apologised for his behaviour following the defeat. The Denmark international was pictured leaving a London nightclub at 4am yesterday morning with his belt undone and jeans pulled down.
“Getting knocked out was a massive blow,” Bendtner said. “However, no matter how disappointed I was, it does not excuse my behaviour later in the evening.”
- Guardian Service
