Adebayor, a testimonial and a host of stars
After a career packed with goals and trophies, Emmanuel Adebayor will celebrate his farewell testimonial from 25 to 27 October next
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He had already retired from international football some years ago, and from playing altogether, but the official send-off and the goodbyes were still to come. Having turned 40 last February, Emmanuel Adebayor will step out on the pitch one final time at the testimonial he is organising. The former Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City striker has confirmed it will take place between 24 and 27 October at the Stade de Kégué, a ground where he used to send the fans wild.
"The time has come to hang up my boots. It's time, I've worked so hard, it's been so difficult and complicated, but I'm really reaching the end. To go out on a high, I'm organising a testimonial in Lomé with all the legends of Africa and the world. It's the last time, or my last time, that I'll perhaps play at the Stade de Kégué", Emmanuel Adebayor said in a video posted on his social media to announce the event.
32 goals in 87 caps, a World Cup and an African Ballon d'Or
It is a way of bringing things full circle in front of his own fans, for whom he scored 32 goals in 87 caps for Togo. It also celebrates nearly 20 years at the top level, taking in Metz and Monaco before reaching his peak at Real Madrid. For the occasion, Sheyi Adebayor has invited a host of big names to celebrate with him a career rich in goals and trophies, the highlight of which was his African Ballon d'Or won in 2008, as well as Togo's appearance at the 2006 World Cup. It remains the country's only one to date.
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And to celebrate a Ballon d'Or winner, who better to join him than other Ballon d'Or winners? Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, El Hadji Diouf and Abedi Pelé will be there, as will his boyhood idol Kalusha Bwalya, along with Jay-Jay Okocha. The world's stars will be well represented too, with Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry and Robert Pirès attending. It is a galaxy of football stars who will light up the eyes of the many fans present on the occasion to celebrate the man who remains the greatest player in Togo's history.