Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed the worst decision of his controversial career – joining Crystal Palace.
The Togo striker, now 33, has attracted many headlines including headbutting his former Arsenal team-mate Nicklas Bendtner and racing the length of the Etihad pitch to celebrate in front of Gunners fans after scoring for Manchester City.
He also posed on social media holding up five fingers after Spurs had been thrashed 5-0 by Liverpool.
But speaking in L’Equipe today, Adebayor claimed his biggest regret was signing a six-month contract in South London last year. He scored only one goal in 15 appearances – in a 2-1 home defeat to Watford before being released.
The former Real Madrid forward said: “I had some great experiences in England in clubs who are among the best in the country.
I was happy there, my family too. The only error that I made was to sign for Crystal Palace in January 2016.
“I did it just to please my entourage, who were saying to me: “Manu, you have to start playing again!’ It was the worst decision of my career.”
Adebayor was released from his Spurs contract in September 2015 before joining Palace in January – and was again out of the game last summer until signing for Turkish Super Lig club Basaksehir in January.
“I spent this time out of the game calmly,” he said. “I was never worried. Because I was never left with nothing to do. I spent several months in Togo to train.
“I have a sports room in my house in Lome, and what is practical in Togo is that you can train outside all year. I worked on speed, endurance, My sister looked after me, she made me healthy meals.”
He has scored seven goals in 16 matches for Basaksehir while taking them to the Turkish Cup final – and now he wants to stay.
“I still have a year on my contract,” said Adebayor. “I have no reason to leave. I am very happy in Turkey.”
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