Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 5:28 PM• Jonathan van Haaster • Last update: 17:32

Emmanuel Adebayor immediately puts an end to his international career. The 39-year-old former attacker makes this known on Instagram via a video, which includes his much-discussed goal against Arsenal. The Togolese, then employed by Manchester City, cheered defiantly towards supporters of his ex-club after he scored.

“From the highs to the lows, my career as a professional athlete has been an amazing journey,” Adebayor captioned the video. “Thanks to all the fans who were always there for me. I feel so thankful for everything and look forward to what’s to come!” Adebayor made waves at FC Metz and AS Monaco, after which he earned a transfer to Arsenal in 2006. Under manager Arsène Wenger, he scored 62 goals and was crowned African Footballer of the Year in 2008. He also enforced a place in the Premier League’s Team of the Year.

To the anger of the Arsenal fans, he made the switch to Manchester City in the summer of 2009, which was then building its way after the takeover of the Abu Dhabi United Group. In a match between City and Arsenal in Manchester, Adebayor drew the wrath of Arsenal fans. After the striker scored a goal, he sprinted to the other side of the field to score his goal for the supporters of the Gunners to celebrate. Adebayor later stated that ’emotion took over’ and apologized, but at the same time stated that Arsenal fans insulted him throughout the game.

Adebayor would eventually stay with City for two seasons, after which he was loaned out to Real Madrid. After returning to England, a rental period also followed to Tottenham Hotspur, which took over the Togolese in 2012. After six months on a free transfer, he signed with Crystal Palace. That was not an unqualified success and in 2017 he moved to Istanbul Basaksehir. After employment with Kayserispor, the Paraguayan Olimpia Asunción and AC Semassi FC in his home country, his career has now come to an end. Adebayor was the absolute star of the national team. Before that he came to 66 international matches and 29 goals.