Emmanuel Adebayor says it's time for Arsenal fans to move on from his infamous 2009 Manchester City goal celebration.
The former Togo international, who retired earlier this year, sprinted the length of the Etihad Stadium pitch to celebrate scoring for City against Arsenal, in retaliation to provocative taunting and abuse he'd received from those who used to cheer him.
Adebayor was banned for two games and handed a £25,000 after the incident, which remains one of the Premier League's most memorable moments.
But Adebayor, who went on to play for Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham later in his career, hopes that fans can join him in laughing off the incident from now on.
"I think the fans can forget what happened in 2009 when I ran the length of the pitch," Adebayor told Sky Sports News. "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 father.
"I would do anything for my mother and father."
"It's behind me now, I hope it is behind them," he continued. "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."
Adebayor: I was rooting for Arsenal
Adebayor also revealed he'd been hoping Arsenal would pip Manchester City in last year's Premier League title race, and referred to the Gunners as 'we' - inferring his allegiance still lays with the club despite falling out with the supporters.
"Last season we were all rooting for them to win the league and they came very close," he continued. "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.
"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."
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This article was originally published on 90min as Emmanuel Adebayor sends Arsenal fans message over infamous 2009 celebration.
