Ex-Arsenal, Man City striker Adebayor retires from football

The Togolese star and former Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor has announced his retirement from football at the age of 39. The striker returned to his native Togo to finish his career with AC Semassi in the summer of 2021, having enjoyed a goal-laden 20 years in the top European leagues. Adebayor confirmed his retirement on Instagram, posting a video of a compilation of some of his best career moments alongside a note which read "thanks for the blessings". "From the highs to the lows, my career as a professional athlete has been an incredible journey," the former Togo international wrote on social media. "Thank you to my fans for being there every step of the way. I'm feeling so grateful for everything, and excited for what's to come!" Adebayor enjoyed his first foray into European football with French club Metz in 1999, progressing through the youth ranks to score 13 goals in the 2002-03 Ligue 2 campaign. Adebayor played 593 matches in his club career, scoring 207 goals and providing 65 assists. He also played 66 matches for his country, scoring 29 goals. The Togolese scored 62 goals in 142 games under legendary Arsenal boss Arsene club career with 207 goals and 65 assists in 593 matches.