Thursday, July 23, 2009

Emmanuel Adebayor joined Manchester City


Manchester City have completed the signing of Emmanuel Adebayor on a five-year deal.

The 25-year-old Togo international has joined the Blues from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee after passing his medical at Eastlands on Saturday evening.

The striker becomes the latest big-money addition to Mark Hughes' squad this summer following the captures of Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.

Several hundred City fans were at the stadium on Saturday evening to welcome Adebayor, who hopes to help the ambitious club move forward.

"It made me feel really welcome and special and I can't wait to play for City's fans and show them what I can do," said Adebayor, who, as at Arsenal, will wear the number 25 shirt.

"I was born to play football and that is what I want to do. I have come here to make history for this club and those supporters.

"It is what the chairman and the manager told me that they want too and I can't wait to get started."

Hughes, meanwhile, has hailed the capture of the striker, who was signed by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger for £3million from Monaco in 2006.

"Emmanuel has been one of the top forwards in the Premier League since he arrived from France and we are delighted he has agreed to come and join us," the Welshman told the club's official website.

"Along with the other signings we have made in the last two windows he will greatly enhance our ability to compete with the top sides.

"His arrival is another clear indication that we are determined to augment the players we have here with the best of international talent.

"He adds vital balance and power to our attack. He has everything a top forward needs. He is versatile, powerful, quick and agile on the ball.

"I am looking forward to working with him as are the rest of the staff. He will definitely add a new dimension to our play. I have been a great admirer for a long time."

Adebayor's first task will be to fly out to join his new team-mates in South Africa, where their pre-season tour began with a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Orlando Pirates earlier on Saturday.

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