Source: SKY_Sports
Manu sets sights on Man U
New Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor believes the Blues can usurp neighbours United as early as this season.
Adebayor was one of a host of big-money signings this summer as City aim to emerge from United's shadow following their lucrative takeover by the Abu Dhabi Group.
The last time City finished above United was in the 1990-91 season, and the Red Devils have since gone on to win 11 Premier League and two UEFA Champions League titles.
But after grabbing the match-winner in each of City's opening two league games, Adebayor reckons the Blues already have United looking over their shoulder.
"I don't think it will be long before we are the top team in Manchester," he told the News of the World.
"People talk about it being in a year's time, but I have the belief it can be this season.
"With the squad we have I see no reason why we can't do amazing things this year.
"We want to dominate both England and Europe," Adebayor added.
"So that doesn't mean being bigger than just Chelsea or Manchester United, but bigger than Real Madrid and AC Milan as well.
"When people are picking City over the biggest clubs in Europe you know that we must be on the brink of something very special."
City intensified the derby rivalry with posters plastered across the city with the slogan 'Welcome to Manchester' below a picture of Carlos Tevez, who swapped Old Trafford for Eastlands this summer.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson then claimed that after Adebayor had agreed a move to City, his agent was trying to secure a move to United or Chelsea so that the Togo international could play Champions League football.
Former Arsenal team-mate Gael Clichy then accused Adebayor of joining City just for the money but the 25-year-old striker insists the City 'project' is a big draw.
"People can talk about players joining City for money but players know the truth," he said.
"Nobody hears the pitch the manager and chairman give players when they are trying to convince them to sign.
"Last season both AC Milan and Barcelona wanted to sign me, but at those clubs there is already history - what is to build on?
"At City I have a chance to help make history for the club and the fans. I have the chance to be part of their first Premier League title and their first European Cup, and if I didn't think they were real possibilities then I would not have joined.
"I moved here for football reasons and for nothing else, and when people see what we are capable of they will begin to understand my choice."
Milan's interest last summer started to turn the Arsenal fans against Adebayor as they felt he was using it to earn an improved deal with the Gunners.
He signed a new four-year deal with a significant wage hike but the Arsenal fans did not show the same adulation for Adebayor
during his final season with the club, prompting his decision to join City and leave behind his 'father figure', Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
"I will never understand the abuse," said Adebayor. "I gave everything during my time at Arsenal and scored a lot of goals for them.
"I was very happy there and I think that showed on my face but in the last year the fans were not very nice to me.
"When we lost I was as down as anybody, so to say I didn't care is absolutely crazy.
"City is a top club now and I have to view Arsenal as our rivals, but I will look back on my time there with fondness, even though I found my treatment in the last year unacceptable.
"City's fans were there to welcome me. That is the sort of love I want.
"I have nothing but good things to say about Arsene Wenger, he has one of the most educated football brains I have ever known.
"The man was like a father to me, but at a point in your life you have to leave your father and take your own path.
"I believe I have chosen the right path, and I believe there will be a lot of glory on the path I have chosen."
