Emmanuel Adebayor... has the backing of his manager
Wenger - Ade only made public relation error
By Richard Clarke
If Emmanuel Adebayor has any problems right now they are in his public relations rather than his contribution at Arsenal, according to Arsène Wenger.
The Togolese striker has had a mixed reaction from a minority fans this season after summer speculation suggested he could be leaving Emirates Stadium.
For his part, Wenger believes Adebayor actually deserves credit for staying. Both manager and player have admitted that bigger money lay away from North London.
“His transfer saga - and the fact he was wanted by all the clubs in Europe - was not down to him,” said Wenger at Friday’s press conference. “It was down to his performances. In the end he chose to stay here so why should it turn against him?
“We have to be realistic. When a player like that is wanted, it is as well an honour for Arsenal. The fact that he has decided to stay is an honour as well. And the fact that he made financial sacrifices is an honour again.
“If he made some mistakes, they were PR mistakes maybe. But I like it when a football player is not ‘PR’ because, when they are, they always have the right behaviour outside and the wrong inside. I prefer the reverse situation.
“In Adebayor's case, he made maybe a little PR mistake. But, for what is really important - the way he practised, the way he worked, the way he behaved on a daily basis – it is credit to him. And I think we have to be intelligent enough, the fans as well, to support him.
“Yes, some of them [have reacted]. But I think the majority are behind him.
“Here we have a story that has been manipulated against him by the media. But if you look at just the facts, and I have dealt with many players face-to-face on this, there is also a lot of credit [due] because he has always said to me he wants to stay. But of course if you can earn £10 here and £130 there, you are ready to stay for £60 but not for £10.”
[Friday, August 29, 2008]
More Arsenal News
-
Sat, Nov 21, 2009
Traore chosen at left back, Arshavin benched -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Africa Cup of Nations draw made -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - Why FFF must call for a replay -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - The French nation reacted well -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - Maradona goal 'Hand of the Devil' -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
‘Modern medicine is the best medicine’ -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - Friday games will ease the strain -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - Ramsey is developing very well -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - Van Persie free to choose treatment -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Chiellini not to blame for Van Persie injury'
