Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Ade: I did not ask to leave

24 Jul 2009 - 08:32:10

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Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor says that he did not ask to leave the Gunners this summer, having joined Manchester City in a £25million deal.

The 25-year-old Togo international has signed a five-year contract with the Citizens, having also been linked with the likes of AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

He told The Sun: "When I came back from holiday, I landed on July 13 and my agent told me I was going to speak with the club.

"When I did he told me they had come to an agreement with another club.

"It was a difficult decision to make, but I went away and thought now is the time for another challenge. It took about a week to sort everything out.

"Arsene Wenger put me where I am today, but he cannot stand up and say last summer I told him I wanted to leave. I told him I wanted to stay.

"I don't think our relationship is broken. I think they need the money and need to sell someone. They chose me and they got their money.

"I know a lot of people will say 'he's gone for the money'. But I would like to see one Arsenal fan who worked somewhere for £10 and was offered work elsewhere for £30 say they would refuse."