Super Eagles legend Kanu Nwankwo 'inspired' me to join Arsenal - Ex-Premier League star reveals

Super Eagles legend Kanu Nwankwo 'inspired' me to join Arsenal - Ex-Premier League star reveals

Hassan Abdulsalam 08:07 - 25.10.2024

Kanu and Adebayor played for Arsenal at different times, with Adebayor idolising the Super Eagles legend.

Legendary Togolese footballer Emmanuel Adebayor has confirmed that Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu inspired him to join Arsenal.

The striker disclosed this in an interview with BBC Sport Africa and confirmed that Kanu had advised him on which Premier League side to join.

Kanu and Adebayor played for Arsenal
Kanu and Adebayor played for Arsenal

Adebayor's performance with the North London club in 2008 was crucial in him becoming the first and only Togolese to win the African Footballer of the Year award.

"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.

Kanu and Adebayor played for Arsenal
Kanu and Adebayor played for Arsenal

"To be recognised as Africa's best player was huge - it is something I will never forget and never take for granted," he said.

Adebayor and Arsenal

Emmanuel Adebayor's time at Arsenal was known for his prolific goal-scoring, as he recorded 62 goals in 142 appearances for the Gunners.

Emmanuel Adebayor scored 62 goals for Arsenal
Emmanuel Adebayor

The Togolese joined Arsenal in 2006 where he quickly established himself as a key player and a fan favorite.

Adebayor's impressive goal-scoring record included hat-tricks against Derby County and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as crucial goals against rivals like Manchester United.

Emmanuel Adebayor

Despite his success, Adebayor's time at Arsenal was not without its controversies. He was involved in incidents with teammates and received red cards on multiple occasions.

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