'Wearing his number 25 jersey' - Emmanuel Adebayor reveals Arsenal icon Kanu was his idol

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has shared heartfelt tributes to his  idol, Nwankwo Kanu. 

The Togolese Icon's admiration for Kanu began long before he donned the iconic number 25 jersey for Arsenal.

The retired Togo international spent three years, from 2006 to 2009, at the North London Outfit, registering 62 goals and 19 assists in 142 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners to his name. 

During his time with the club, the striker admitted to sharing the same locker with the Nigerian international.

The 40-year-old's storied career spanned two decades, with notable stints at Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur. 

Now, as he transitions to philanthropy through his SEA Foundation, it is clear that his admiration for Kanu remains unwavering.

"My idol was Nwankwo Kanu," Adebayor fondly recalled, in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport Africa. 

"Signing for Arsenal – wearing his number 25 jersey and using the same locker as him – is, for me, a huge accomplishment.

"Today, he is my big brother, my best friend, and advises me if I'm doing right or wrong."

Previously on the books of French sides FC Metz and AS Monaco before joining Arsenal, the marksman clinched the African Footballer of the Year award in 2008 after a stellar season with the Gunners.

Adebayor tallied 32 goals in 87 international appearances for the Togolese National team before hanging up his boots.

Ejim Kaycee

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