Former Premier League star Emmanuel Adebayor has turned down calls to take on the manager role for Togo amid plans for the next chapter of his career.
Despite the former Manchester City, Tottenham and Crystal Palace striker being the country’s most high-profile player of all time, the ex-striker opted against a coaching role with the national side.
However Adeabayor, who made 87 Hawks appearances and scored a record 32 goals, did reveal that he has other plans now that he’s hung up his boots.
According to The Sun, the recently-retired forward said: ‘Being national coach is not at all what Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor is about.
‘I’m not planning to become the Togo Hawks’ coach. I know what my temperament is like.
Former Premier League star Emmanuel Adebayor has turned down calls to take on the manager role for Togo
Adebayor made 87 appearances for his national side and scored a record 32 goals
‘But I could be an ambassador for the team, someone who accompanies my young brothers and shares my experience with them.
‘I have played at the World Cup, and in an Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final. I could tell the players how to prepare for big games, and how to relax.
‘Once the current Africa Cup of Nations has finished, I will try to have talks with the Minister for Sport and the authorities.
‘I want to see how I can make a contribution. All I want to do is to lend support to my country.’
Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte has been in charge since 2021 however, given their poor performances under him, many want Adebayor to take the role.
The former Togo forward spent a decade in England – starting at Arsenal before joining Man City, Tottenham and Crystal Palace – before retiring after stints in Turkey and Paraguay.
The former Togo forward spent a decade in England – starting at Arsenal after joining in 2005
Despite playing for London giants Arsenal, Adebayor eventually joined their rivals Tottenham
Back in October, Adebayor urged Arsenal fans to ‘forget’ his infamous celebration after scoring for Manchester City against them in 2009.
The forward made an acrimonious £25million switch from the Gunners to City that summer as their rich Abu Dhabi owners started to spend big.
Adebayor was taunted by Arsenal fans when he played against them for City at the Etihad Stadium a few weeks into the following season.
So when he scored in City’s 4-2 win, Adebayor ran almost the full length of the pitch to celebrate with a knee-slide in front of the Gunners support.
