'Players who don't have half my talent have won a World Cup' - 2008 CAF POTY with 1 trophy in 20 years

'Players who don't have half my talent have won a World Cup' - 2008 CAF POTY with 1 trophy in 20 years

Hassan Abdulsalam 10:05 - 26.10.2024

Adebayor spent most of his career in Europe, with a brief stint in Paraguay, winning just one trophy, the 2011 Copa del Rey with Real Madrid.

2008 African Footballer of the Year Emmanuel Adebayor has stated that he doesn't regret not winning more than one trophy during his active days.

Emmanuel Adebayor receiving the 2008 African player of the year award. Credit: Brila

The Togolese spent most of his active days playing in Europe and a short time in Paraguay, winning only one trophy - the 2011 Copa del Rey with Real Madrid.

Togo's all-time leading scorer featured alongside a talented Real Madrid lineup that included Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the decisive goal against Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

"There is a video out there of me dancing in the dressing room with Pepe and Sergio. Some players who don't have half of my talent have won a World Cup, but my target is not to regret. I'm happy about my career. If I was asked to do it one more time, I would," Adebayor told BBC Africa.

Adebayor played under renowned managers like Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Didier Deschamps.

Kanu Nwankwo is my idol - Emmanuel Adebayor

Meanwhile, Adebayor confirmed that Super Eagles icon Nwankwo Kanu inspired him to join Arsenal.

Emmanuel Adebayor with Karim Benzema during loan spell at Real Madrid. Credit: X

"My idol was Nwankwo Kanu so signing for Arsenal, wearing his number 25 jersey and using the same locker as him, is, for me, a huge accomplishment.

"Today, he is my big brother, my best friend and advises me if I'm doing right or wrong. In 2008, I was unplayable," he said.

Adebayor became the first and only Togolese to win the African Footballer of the Year award when he won the accolade in 2008.

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