Arsenal’s Van Persie says Adebayor ’set out to hurt me’
September 13th, 2009 - 6:36 pm ICT by IANS
London, Sep 13 (DPA) Arsenal striker Robin van Persie says former team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor set out to hurt him when the two clashed during the match at Manchester City.
City won the game 4-2 with former Arsenal striker Adebayor on the scoresheet for his new club.
Adebayor prompted anger from the Arsenal fans with his over-the-top celebrations after his goal, but of bigger concern was the way he lashed out at Van Persie, causing a cut on the left side of his face.
“I am sad and disappointed by my former team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor’s mindless and malicious stamp on me during today’s match,” Van Persie said in a statement.
“He set out to hurt me today. I do feel lucky that I have not received a greater injury.
“I knew he was aiming for a collision because he changed the angle of his body to allow contact to be made. He moved backwards when his natural momentum would have taken him forward. I find that deeply disrespectful.
“The contact was only centimetres from my eye. I have not received an apology from him, there were no words exchanged afterwards. He had his own agenda today and that is bad for football. It’s bad for the game we all love.”
Adebayor claimed he did apologise to Van Persie.
“I was trying to kick the ball,” Adebayor said. “I see him tackling and I don’t have time to take my feet back because I’m trying to kick the ball.
“My feet touch his head. I feel sorry for him and even straight away, and at the end of the game, I said sorry.”
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- Van Persie blasts "joke" referee for destroying Arsenal's Europe dream - Mar 09, 2011
- Henry slams Adebayor for showing lack of respect to Arsenal - Sep 20, 2009
- Quit City due to lack of fans love for me: Adebayor - Apr 04, 2011
- Adebayor rules out ever stopping 'celebrating with emotion' despite suspension - Sep 25, 2009
- Adebayor fails to contest stamping charge - Sep 17, 2009
- Wenger accuses referee of destroying Arsenal's Champions League dream - Mar 09, 2011
- Arsenal thrash Spurs to reclaim EPL fourth spot - Feb 26, 2012
- Adebayor assures of good gestures for Man City-Arsenal clash - Apr 24, 2010
- Van Persie desperate to face 'stamping rival' Adebayor - Nov 02, 2009
- Adebayor repeats controversial goal sequence - Sep 16, 2009
- 'Stupid' Crouch leaves Tottenham's Champions League dreams in tatters - Apr 06, 2011
- 'Scarred' Fabregas hits back at Adebayor's X-rated tackle - Sep 18, 2009
Tags: agenda today, anger, apology, arsenal fans, celebrations, dpa, emmanuel adebayor, former team, game, london, love, manchester city, match, momentum, robin van persie, scoresheet, team mate