Former Togo captain, Emmanuel Adebayor has denied ever making comments that suggested that Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane should not be winning the African Footballer of the Year Award because they do not play in Africa.
There were widespread reports that the former Manchester City who won the award himself in 2008 while playing for Arsenal, claiming the prize should only go to players playing in Africa.
The Liverpool duo share the last 3 African Footballer of the Year Awards.
“I distanced myself from African football because of corruption and way of doing things that side,” he said, as per Kickoff, who referenced Egyptian outlet Kingfut.
“I only honour my country Togo. And if they invited me to any event that has anything to do with CAF I won’t show up because of the leaders of the organisation.
“How is Sadio Mane winning CAF Best Player Of The Year when he’s not African based, Lionel Messi has never won any continental individual trophy in his continent.”
But Adebayor has since moved to deny ever granting the interview and called the quotes “fake news”.
He posted on his Twitter: “My attention has been drawn to quotes, relayed by certain media and on social networks, on CAF and on my colleagues Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.
I would just say that these statements are not mine.
“I’ve not given interviews to any media. Always be careful not to post false info.”
My attention has been drawn to quotes, relayed by certain media and on social networks, on CAF and on my colleagues Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.
I would just say that these statements are not mine.
I’ve not given interviews to any media. Always be careful not to post false info.— Emmanuel Adebayor (@E_Adebayor) May 5, 2020