Having previously played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, Emmanuel Adebayor made a shock move to Paraguay earlier this month, and the Togo legend has now explained the reason for his decision.
Adebayor, who turns 36 years old next week, completed a move to reigning Paraguayan champions Olimpia earlier in the month after rescinding his contract with Kayserispor in December.
Following his arrival at the club, the former Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid star explained what had prompted his decision to turn down interest from other European sides in favour of a move to Paraguay.
"At first, I was impressed after speaking to the club president and Roque Santa Cruz, who was my old teammate at Manchester City," Adebayor said, as reported by BBC.
"He told me that, in his country, people live and breathe football. I asked him for verbal assurance that everything will be fine. Santa Cruz gave me his word that I will love it here, so he played a big role in me coming here.
"I also got a lot of personal messages from some of the fans on social media and that made a big impact. But I was mostly touched by the words of the president's young son who, at six years old, said I am his idol. That was very emotional for me."
Adebayor is the second-highest African goalscorer in Premier League history, having netted 97 goals across his spells with the Gunners, City, Spurs and Crystal Palace.
