The Sunday Mail
EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR still believes he has a lot to offer the English Premier League, but any potential suitors may wish to err on the side of caution after hearing a comical anecdote from Brede Hangeland.
Adebayor remains a free agent after playing as captain for his country Togo at the Africa Cup of Nations, and the former Arsenal striker wants another shot at the English top flight after claiming he is blessed with “golden genes”.
The 32-year-old forward may not be thankful to former Crystal Palace team-mate Hangeland, however, following his rather humorous recollection of their time together both on the pitch and in training.
Speaking on Norwegian radio show Heia fotball, Hangeland recalled: “I only played with him for six months but here’s a quick story. I was playing for Fulham and he played for Spurs. We were attacking and I was marking Adebayor in the midfield. He suddenly said, ‘Ahhh, I’m hungry.’ I replied, ‘What?’
“’I can’t wait for the game to finish, I’m so hungry,’ he said. ‘Do you know a good restaurant in London, Hangeland?’”
The former centre-back, who retired from professional football in August 2016, managed to stay focused on his game during that particular battle but was reminded of the striker’s insatiable appetite when the pair were reunited at Selhurst Park.
“Later when he came to Palace I started to realise where this came from,” Hangeland continued. “When we had strength workouts he would sit in the gym with just a cup of coffee and a muffin.
“He was being paid by (Manchester) City, Tottenham and Palace at the same time, and he was sitting in the gym drinking coffee. Incredible natural talent, but very lazy.”
Adebayor has most recently been linked with a move to Montpellier in France’s Ligue 1, but he appears to have his sights set on the Premier League once more.
“I am confident that I can still play at that level,” he told FIFA.com. “I am blessed with golden genes. Physically, I would certainly be able to handle the pressure. I am the one who makes jokes when it is necessary, but I can also put my foot down if serious work is required. My father taught me to always say what I think. At times, that can lead to problems, but I always sleep well.”
Adebayor has not played club football since leaving Crystal Palace at the end of last season, and he did not set south London alight with goals. — Daily Mail
