|
|
Wenger: Adebayor 'Not Obsessed By Money'
Togolese striker didn't move to Eastlands for cold, hard cash.
Sep 10, 2009 2:01:55 PM
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has leaped to the defense of former Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor, who left the Emirates for Manchester City in the summer. Wenger claimed that the Togolese striker is not motivated by money.
The Frenchman's team travel north on Saturday to face the unbeaten Citizens, for whom Adebayor has been in supreme form, scoring in each of their three Premier League victories so far.
Many Gunners supporters had slammed the striker for his poor form and lack of commitment whilst in north London last season, as well as the alacrity with which he jumped ship when his wealthy new employers came calling, but Wenger thinks such criticism is unfair.
"Adebayor has started the season on fire and we have to put that fire out," Wenger told his club's official website.
"I personally don't think that Adebayor was obsessed by money. I must say that to be fair to him, and we can deal with that.
"We have a very fair financial potential. If you consider the Premier League you cannot say we are one of the bottom clubs financially."
Meanwhile, Wenger went on to express his appreciation of the England national team's success at Wembley last night. The coach is sure that the Three Lions will be one of the main contenders in South Africa next summer.
He added: "England are among the top favorites. They have all the ingredients you need to be among the favorites. They have the confidence and the time to prepare properly.
"This generation of Gerrard, Lampard, Ferdinand and Rooney are getting to the age when they can deliver, and they have a quality manager. It's all there to be successful."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section
The Frenchman's team travel north on Saturday to face the unbeaten Citizens, for whom Adebayor has been in supreme form, scoring in each of their three Premier League victories so far.
Many Gunners supporters had slammed the striker for his poor form and lack of commitment whilst in north London last season, as well as the alacrity with which he jumped ship when his wealthy new employers came calling, but Wenger thinks such criticism is unfair.
"Adebayor has started the season on fire and we have to put that fire out," Wenger told his club's official website.
"I personally don't think that Adebayor was obsessed by money. I must say that to be fair to him, and we can deal with that.
"We have a very fair financial potential. If you consider the Premier League you cannot say we are one of the bottom clubs financially."
Meanwhile, Wenger went on to express his appreciation of the England national team's success at Wembley last night. The coach is sure that the Three Lions will be one of the main contenders in South Africa next summer.
He added: "England are among the top favorites. They have all the ingredients you need to be among the favorites. They have the confidence and the time to prepare properly.
"This generation of Gerrard, Lampard, Ferdinand and Rooney are getting to the age when they can deliver, and they have a quality manager. It's all there to be successful."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.