Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Adebayor has told the club’s supporters to ‘forget’ his infamous goal celebration against them in 2009.
The 39-year-old was a firm fan favourite at the Emirates having scored 62 goals in 142 games between 2006-2009.
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But he became public enemy No1 in the eyes of the Arsenal faithful when he opted to join Manchester City.
On his first appearance against his ex-teammates, Adebayor was booed throughout the Etihad clash, with the travelling Gooners also singing songs about his parents.
And when Adebayor headed beyond the outstretched arms of Manuel Almunia in September 2009, the Togo icon ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal fanbase.
It led to the ex-Tottenham striker to be slapped with a £25,000 fine by the FA, while also being handed a two-game ban.
The knee-slide has become one of the Premier League’s most iconic celebrations, with Arsenal fans still never forgiving their former hero.
And Adebayor now has called for fans to ‘forget’ the incident, as he stressed he hopes they can soon ‘laugh’ about it when they watch it back.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Adebayor said: I think the fans can forget what happened in 2009 when I ran the length of the pitch.
“Today I will make it clear, I don’t think any human being would accept it if people were singing about and insulting your family, especially your mother and your father.
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“I would do anything for my mother and father.”
He continued: “It’s behind me now, I hope it is behind them. We all love football.
“And every once in a while when they see that celebration on television and social media, hopefully now they can laugh it off and move on.
“That’s what I wish for the Arsenal fans and I wish them the best of luck this year.”
In an attempt to win some of the Arsenal supporters back, he has claimed he wanted them to pip his old side to the top-flight title last season.
He remarked: “Last season we were all rooting for them to win the league and they came very close.
“When it reached around January and February, I was telling all my friends, I hope these boys will not start dropping points. This is how it was with me when I was playing for Arsenal.
“We’d be first or second and then around February a player would get injured or suspended and that’s it. The league is gone. We had a great team but a young team, we needed a leader.
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“So when I saw them starting to drop points, even when Man City were several points behind, I said listen to me, I don’t know whether there is a curse on the club but it’s going to be difficult for them to win the league.
“But let’s put it into perspective. Where they were coming from and what they did last year was incredible. They finished second and came so close to winning the league.
“With Declan Rice, they have bought some good players. They have actually invested to win the league and go far in the Champions League.
“It’s my old club and I wish them the best of luck.”
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