Thaindian News

London, Jan 14 (DPA) Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor said that he is in no hurry to return to his Premier League club Manchester City after being in the team bus that came under gunfire in an ambush by gun-wielding attackers.
Three people were killed and several others wounded when suspected Cabinda separatists attacked the bus that was taking the team to their base for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The bus driver, the assistant team coach and the team press officer died Friday when the bus came under machinegun fire 10 km into Angolan territory from rebels belonging to the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC).

As a result, Togo withdrew from the Africa Cup of Nations, which is currently being held in Angola.

Adebayor was quoted by the BBC as saying that he was unsure when he would return to England from the indefinite compassionate leave he has been given by his club.

“I am sweating every day, and I can’t eat. I will take my time and come back on the pitch at the right time. My boss and my team understand that, that is the most important thing. They know I need time to recover from this,” the 25-year-old is quoted as saying.

Adebayor is in the Togolese capital of Lome and participating in three days of national mourning.

“It is difficult because my personal press officer died in my hands,” he said. “That is the worst image I have had in my life. He passed away in my hands. It is very difficult.”

On Monday, City manager Roberto Mancini said that the club was giving Adebayor the freedom he needed.

“We will speak to him when he returns,” Mancini said. “Whenever he wants to play, whenever he feels ready, that is OK. At the moment, we are just very sorry for him. The situation is incredible.”