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ESPNsoccernet: England |
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Sunday, June 29, 2008
Want-away Adebayor now eyes Barca switch
Emmanuel Adebayor has cast further doubt on his Arsenal future after revealing his interest in a move to Barcelona.
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| Emmanuel Adebayor (no_source) |
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AC Milan are also pursuing the striker, who has given conflicting statements
about his immediate future over recent days.
On Friday he insisted he would be staying with the Gunners before minutes later
hinting he would push for a move to the San Siro in showdown talks with manager
Arsene Wenger next week.
On Saturday, however, Wenger insisted he would not be seeing Adebayor - who
scored 30 goals last season - having already held talks with him.
Now the 24-year-old has further muddied the waters by revealing Barca's
interest which he would favour if the north London club do not meet his demands
for a pay rise to a reported £120,000 a week
He told the News of the World: 'Milan are a big club but the fact they are not
playing in the Champions League next season is less of a challenge.
'Barcelona have made a good financial offer and there is also the chance to
play alongside great players.
'Yes, I am still under contract to Arsenal but it's up to the directors to
satisfy my demands or I'll leave.
'If my good form of last season has increased my value, my employers have to
take account of that.
'I have to prepare for my retirement. Even if you are not scoring fine goals
and you have money, you can enjoy a happy retirement.
'The time for preparing for that moment is now.'
The former Monaco striker also believes he should be given parity with
ex-team-mate Thierry Henry.
'People ask if I am asking for the same salary as Henry. That is not
necessarily the question.
'But I am being considered a worthy replacement for Henry while not deserving
his salary.
'The question lies on this level.'