Emmanuel Adebayor apologises to booing Tottenham fans

Emmanuel Adebayor has apologised to the Tottenham Hotspur fans who have been booing him and insists he has no problem with chairman Daniel Levy.


As revealed by Telegraph Sport, Levy blocked Adebayor’s transfer deadline day loan move to West Ham United because he would not subsidise the striker’s wages to play for Tottenham’s bitter rivals.

Levy has since held clear-the-air-talks over Adebayor’s position at Spurs, with the 30-year-old ready to stay at least until the end of the season and hoping to be part of head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the north London derby against his former club Arsenal on Saturday.
Adebayor has been booed by a section of Spurs fans since he was perceived to criticise their support by admitting it had become difficult to play at White Hart Lane after the home defeat by Stoke City.

“I apologise if any of them think that I'm not appreciative of their support,” said Adebayor. “The supporters booed the team and that is their right as they pay good money to see us play.

“I said that we need confidence as every player will play better when the crowd is behind you. I was not having a go at them. I would never criticise the fans. They have been superb with me.”

On his blocked move to West Ham United and his relationship with Levy, Adebayor added: “The club thought it was a good idea that I go out on loan and I was lucky enough to have five really good offers of which I said yes to three of them (PSG, Roma and West Ham).

“When we then decided finally on one club (West Ham), unfortunately it was the one Mr Levy didn't want me to go to as they were a rival team. I understand and respect his decision and, therefore, I will now stay at Spurs. There really isn't a problem. I am very happy here.

“Ideally, I wanted to stay in the Premier League and preferably in London where my family lives. Both West Ham and QPR were based in London, but West Ham were in a more secure position and that attracted me more for a potential long-term move.”
Despite seeing a switch to West Ham blocked by Levy, Adebayor insists he remains fully committed to Tottenham and has not ruled out the possibility of seeing out the final 18 months on his contract.

“I want to give 100 per cent in every game that I play in,” said Adebayor. “If I'm asked to play I will give everything. I want this club to be successful and that means winning the Capital One Cup, qualifying for the Champions League and winning as many games as possible. Starting with Arsenal this weekend.

“Who knows what will happen in football. I have always been happy here. Football is funny, you can go on a run and score 20 goals and everyone loves you again. That is my aim. After that we can see.”

By Matt Law, Telegraph