Problems in the past - Adebayor

18 January 2015 12:47

Emmanuel Adebayor has no intention of leaving Tottenham, with the divisive striker insisting recent off-field issues are now behind him.

Following nine turbulent weeks out of action, the 30-year-old made his return as a second-half substitute in Spurs' 2-1 win against Sunderland on Saturday.

Injury and illness kept Adebayor out of action before a period of compassionate leave due to family issues, with the striker quoted in November as saying his mother was practising black magic on him.

That was a subject the Togo forward was understandably coy about, yet he was more forthcoming about returning to action for the first time in 69 days.

"I went through a lot, obviously, but, for me, being back on the pitch and playing football again, that's what matters to me," Adebayor said.

"I am very happy and I am very pleased and, yes, now hopefully I can get my form back and enjoy myself on the football pitch. That's the most important thing.

"I obviously had an issue with my family - things aren't going along right and I decided to go back home and find a solution for it.

"In between coming back I got a few injuries as well, but, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to get my head right, get my life [right] and, for me, that's all that matters.

"Football is a game - we enjoy it, we embrace it but sometimes when you need a break, you have to take it.

"Now I am back and very happy to be back again playing and doing my job again."

Asked if the issues he mentioned are now resolved, Adebayor said: "I don't know whether they are sorted out or not.

"But, for me, I've realised with my age that I just have to leave all these problems behind me and do what I love doing best, which is playing football.

"So, sorted out? I don't know. But behind me? Definitely, yes."

Adebayor's return was not universally welcomed at White Hart Lane, where a number of fans booed the striker as he came on for his first appearance since November 9.

Spurs lost that day at home to Stoke, after which the frontman incurred the wrath of fans for suggesting the team would rather play away due to the pressure being put on them.

Tottenham supporters were understandably irked by those comments, compounding a perceived lack of interest from the striker reportedly earning in excess of £100,000 per week.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is said to be keen to get Adebayor off the payroll, with Galatasaray, Besiktas and Parma among clubs linked with him.

However, the former Arsenal and Manchester City striker says he is happy at White Hart Lane, albeit aware how circumstances can change.

"I am a footballer, you know? Obviously a lot of people always say I always play for contracts - at the end of the day, we are all footballers," Adebayor said.

"This is what I choose to do. This is my life, this is my work, this is what I do to feed my family.

"At the moment I have a contract with Tottenham, I am committed to the club and I will always give my best to my club, which is Tottenham."

Asked if he expects to see season out with Spurs, Adebayor replied: "Obviously, yeah, otherwise I would have come out and said I want to leave.

"I am a player who is not afraid to face the reality that if I have to leave, I will leave.

"At the moment I am at the club, so I am very happy to be here."

Source: PA