‘Exceptional’… Arsene Wenger raves about brilliant player who controversially quit Arsenal

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Arsene Wenger still loves Emmanuel Adebayor.

Arsenal fans may not like reading those words, but it’s true.

Adebayor was an intriguing signing for Arsenal back in 2006.

The Togolese hitman had shown big potential with both Metz and Monaco in French football, with Arsene Wenger spotted his talent.

Arsenal pounced in 2006, paying just £3million to bring Adebayor to North London.

Adebayor became a top striker at Arsenal, smashing 62 goals in 142 outings – including 30 goals in the 2007-08 season.

It looked like Adebayor would go on to become an Arsenal hero for years to come, but that all changed back in 2009.

Arsene Wenger on Emmanuel Adebayor

Adebayor joined Manchester City in a £25million deal and it didn’t take him long to get in the bad books with Arsenal fans.

Adebayor famously – or maybe infamously – ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Arsenal supporters after scoring against the Gunners in 2009.

Arsenal fans inside the Etihad Stadium could barely contain their anger and he was booed against Arsenal for the rest of his career – especially when he ended up joining Tottenham Hotspur.

Wenger has now been asked for his verdict on Adebayor nearly 15 years since his departure.

Speaking to GOAL, Wenger described Adebayor as a ‘goalscorer’ with ‘good technique’, hailing him as an ‘exceptional’ player rather than just a goalscorer.

“Goalscorer, good technique as well,” said Wenger. “He was not only a goalscorer, he was an exceptional football player,” he added.

We couldn’t really imagine Wenger holding a grudge against Adebayor for leaving Arsenal.

Wenger is the kind of manager who would cherish working with such players and would be proud of having played a part in their development.

Adebayor’s Arsenal legacy may have been ruined in the eyes of many, but Wenger still sees the positive side of his former hitman.