It is fair to say that Emmanuel Adebayor does not have the greatest relationship with Arsenal fans.
The striker made a huge impact at the club after Arsene Wenger signed him from Monaco in January 2006 as a relative unknown entity.
He soon exploded onto the scene in the Premier League and produced one of the most memorable goals in the North London Derby with a sumptuous volley at White Hart Lane.
The Togo international moved to Manchester City in 2009 much to the anger of Arsenal supporters. Adebayor had frustrations of his own surrounding the move and has opened up on one big regret he has involving the Gunners.
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Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesEmmanuel Adebayor regrets stamping on former Arsenal teammate Robin van Persie
Adebayor didn’t have to wait long to face his former side as Manchester City welcomed the Gunners in September 2009, just two months after his controversial transfer.
The game is famous for Adebayor’s celebration upon scoring during City’s 4-2 victory, where he ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the travelling Arsenal supporters.
However, speaking to Sky Sports, the centre forward has revealed that it was actually another incident in that match which is his biggest regret from that day.
Adebayor stated: “The only thing I regret that day is the stamp on van Persie because we didn’t have any argument before and we didn’t have any fight but it’s obviously the momentum, the emotion took over.”
The challenge left van Persie with blood drawn from his face and added fuel to the fire for Wenger’s side that day.
Arsenal fans may not ever forgive Adebayor for leaving the club during troubled times after the move to the Emirates Stadium and his actions at the Etihad cemented his status as a villain amongst the fanbase.
Mikel Arteta would love Emmanuel Adebayor in his current Arsenal side
Despite the obvious grievances with Adebayor, he is exactly the type of player that Mikel Arteta would love to have in his current side.
Adebayor was a real physical presence up top, a player that could lead the line on his own and occupy both centre backs to enable space for those around him.
Emmanuel Adebayor’s Arsenal careerAppearancesGoalsAssistsAdebayor1426218Emmanuel Adebayor’s Arsenal career via Transfermarkt
He knew where the goal was as well, having an excellent scoring ratio for the Gunners before moving on to the likes of City and Tottenham Hotspur.
There are similarities with his style of play and Kai Havertz, a player that Arteta has great trust in and wants back from injury as soon as possible.