Arsenal hero comes clean on ‘pure relief’ of leaving Emirates and puts legacy at risk

Former Gunner admits he was ‘desperate’ to escape the Emirates and reveals he would have joined rivals Tottenham

Ex-Arsenal star admits he was ‘desperate’ to leave the Emirates and reveals he would have joined rivals Tottenham

Former Arsenal hero Emmanuel Adebayor has admitted that he was ‘desperate’ to leave the Emirates and reveals he would have joined rivals Tottenham if given the chance.

The Togolese striker, who scored 62 goals in 142 appearances for the Gunners, left the club in 2009 to join Manchester City in a £25million deal.

However, Adebayor has now revealed that he was so desperate to leave Arsenal that he would have even joined their bitter rivals Tottenham.

"I was desperate to leave Arsenal," Adebayor told The Athletic.

"I would have joined Tottenham if they had come for me.

"I was not happy at Arsenal anymore. I was not playing regularly and I felt like I was being treated unfairly.

"I needed a fresh start and I was willing to go anywhere to get it.

"Tottenham are a big club with a great history and I would have been proud to play for them.

"But in the end, I chose to join Manchester City because they were offering me a better deal.

"I have no regrets about leaving Arsenal.

"It was the right decision for me at the time and I am happy with the way my career has turned out.

Adebayor's admission is sure to anger Arsenal fans, who have always held a grudge against the striker for the way he left the club.

The Togolese international has often been accused of being a mercenary and of only caring about money.

However, Adebayor insists that he is not a mercenary and that he left Arsenal because he was unhappy.

"I am not a mercenary," Adebayor said.

"I left Arsenal because I was not happy.

"I wanted to play regularly and I wanted to be treated with respect.

"I found that at Manchester City and I am grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to revive my career.

Adebayor's legacy at Arsenal is likely to be tarnished by his admission that he would have joined Tottenham.

The striker was a fan favourite during his time at the Emirates, but his comments are sure to damage his reputation among the club's supporters.