Adebayor Agent Blasts Barça RumoursStephane Courbis, the outspoken agent of Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, has launched a scathing attack on "stupid" journalists for alleged fabricated quotes linking his client with a move to Barcelona...
The powerful striker has enjoyed an unbelievable breakthrough season, which has seen him pass 30 goals in all competitions.
Interest has reportedly arrived from Barcelona, and once Mathieu Flamini sealed his exit from the Emirates and Alexander Hleb looked to follow, stories began emerging that Adebayor was demanding a new contract to keep him at the club.
Such speculation has since been rubbished, but El Mundo Deportivo reported that Adebayor was keen on moving to Barcelona, who look certain to replace some of their current and star-studded forward line this summer.
The Truth
Agent Courbis has blasted the rumours, speaking to Setantasports.com: “Emmanuel is not stupid. It is stupidity from journalists, who even quoted me in England, whereas my English is not good at all.
“When you know how great his relationship with Arsenal and with Arsene Wenger is, you do not expect him to say what is written in the press.”
The Lies
The paper gave extensive quotes in which the Togo international explained what attracted him to the proposition of a move to Barcelona.
“For the moment, I have to wait and, for sure, I would be happy to play for Barcelona because they are one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Adebayor is quoted as saying in Catalunya.
“Things could change tomorrow, who knows?
“To be honest, I know the news from you (the press).
“Nobody spoke to me or my agent for the moment.
“But today the most important thing is to continue to work in the same way on the pitch.
“I cannot close the door because I do not know what will happen tomorrow.
“If Arsenal tell me I have to leave, I leave. Whatever happens, I leave.
“But, to make this happen, Barca have to make an offer.
“But I am not obsessed by it and I will enjoy my holidays.
“Many things [attract me to Barcelona]. If Barcelona made an offer and reached an agreement with Arsenal, I would be delighted to play there because I insist that Barcelona are one of the best clubs in the world.
“But, until that hour, I am an Arsenal player. I have to wait for an offer and we will see what happens.”
Then asked about a potential reunion with great friend and former strike partner Thierry Henry - who left for Barcelona last summer - Adebayor answered: "Why not? It would be a pleasure.
“I already visited him once in Barcelona. He is one of my best friends, I would like to play with him at Barca, but he might return to Arsenal as well [laughs].
"They play great football, with many touches, very offensive.
“The best players have been there, Romario, Figo, Ronaldinho...
“I do not know if it will happen right now, or in two or 10 years, but I would be delighted to play there.
“I like the city. It is always sunny, [with a] good temperature, there is the beach.
“I am African and it is important to me.
“As a consequence, that is a city that could make me decide [to move].
“We would see what would happen because Arsenal would ask for a lot of money and we have to see if Barca would be ready to pay.
“Before, an agreement should be reached.
“Arsenal signed me from Monaco and gave me the opportunity to be at the top.
“I am very thankful to them, so if I had to leave I would like it to be on good terms.”
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Guardiola Gets Cruyff's BlessingsIn rather customary fashion, club 'guru' Johan Cruyff has offered Josep Guardiola some advice before he takes the reigns at Barcelona after the pair shared lunch, as well as their thoughts on the game.
Guardiola went to see Cruyff at his house on Monday where the pair spoke about all things football, something that the Catalan press suggest is equivalent to seeking the master's blessing.
The two have always had an excellent relationship and Guardiola has been followed closely by the Dutch master all season and he has even assisted with training sessions with Barcelona B team.
Cruyff played for Barcelona between 1973 and 1978 and he then coached the Blaugrana between 1988 and 1996 and thus he knows Guardiola well. It seems as if the former Holland international is preparing the new man for the major task in hand given that he has plenty of experience at the club.
A poor season with yet again no trophies has lead the Barcelona board to take swift action and bring in a new man at the expense of Frank Rijkaard, who is set to leave by the end of May.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will be hoping to end their poor campaign on a good note when they host Real Mallorca on Sunday. It is the penultimate game of the season, but the last one at home for Frank Rijkaard, and possibly quite a few of his team.
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