'I was rooting for Arsenal to win EPL title last season' - Adebayor

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor also revealed he had been hoping the Gunners would beat Manchester City in last year’s Premier League title race.

Mikel Arteta’s side went close to winning the Premier League title before eventually finishing second.

Arsenal all three meetings against Pep Guardiola’s men last season but this campaign they have emerged victorious in their two clashes.

Reflecting on the title race last season Adebayor, who left Arsenal for City in 2009, told Sky Sports News: Last season we were all rooting for them to win the league and they came very close.

“When it reached around January and February, I was telling all my friends, I hope these boys will not start dropping points. This is how it was with me when I was playing for Arsenal.

“We’d be first or second and then around February a player would get injured or suspended and that’s it. The league is gone. We had a great team but a young team, we needed a leader.

“So when I saw them starting to drop points, even when Man City were several points behind, I said listen to me, I don’t know whether there is a curse on the club but it’s going to be difficult for them to win the league.

“But let’s put it into perspective. Where they were coming from and what they did last year was incredible. They finished second and came so close to winning the league.”

The former Togo international went on to speak on his infamous goal celebration against Arsenal.

“I think the fans can forget what happened in 2009 when I ran the length of the pitch. Today I will make it clear, I don’t think any human being would accept it if people were singing about and insulting your family, especially your mother and father.

“I would do anything for my mother and father.”

“It’s behind me now, I hope it is behind them. We all love football. And every once in a while when they see that celebration on television and social media, hopefully now they can laugh it off and move on.

“That’s what I wish for the Arsenal fans and I wish them the best of luck this year.”