Former Gunner Adebayor Fit To Return To Haunt Arsenal

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor is set to face a late fitness test with the Spurs medical staff this weekend - but should still be able to shake off the ill effects of a recent knee injury in a bid to return to the Tottenham lineup to face bitter North London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday. The Togo striker has been in excellent form for Harry Redknapp's side this season following his loan move from Manchester City - notching up 10 goals and as many assists in 22 Premier League appearances this season as Tottenham have mounted a surprise title challenge. Former Arsenal hero Adebayor turned villain for Gunners fans following his big money move to Manchester City - and relations with their former hitman hit fever pitch when the striker ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of them following his goal at Eastlands back in September 2009.
     While Redknapp will hope Adebayor can again return to haunt Arsene Wenger's side, and fulfill every Tottenham fan's dreams by helping them to win and gain local bragging rights in the North London Derby, the wider footballing and financial implications of the game are much bigger for both clubs as they battle to secure Champions League qualification next season. Tottenham - currently 3rd in the Premier League - sit some 10 points ahead of their rivals who remain 4th in the standings, while Arsenal look to hold off the challenge of the recently faltering Chelsea to ensure they qualify for club football's biggest event.

Adebayor Hangs Up International Boots

Manchester City Striker Emmanuel Adebayor has today declared that he will retire from international football with immediate effect. Adebayor and his international team mates were attacked by gunmen on their team bus on the 8th of January - an incident that left members of the party dead and several players also injured. The Togo star has admitted that he has since understandably struggled to mentally come to terms with the devastating effects of the tragic incident that occurred prior to the African Cup of Nations tournament in Angola, and as such has now opted to retire from playing for his country at the age of just 26. Clearly deeply shaken by the incident, Adebayor was quoted as saying: “We were just footballers going to play a football match and represent our country, yet we were attacked by people who wanted to kill us all. It is a moment I will never forget and one I never want to experience again.” Emmanuel Adebayor had represented Togo on 38 occasions - scoring 16 goals in the process. He won the African footballer of the year award in 2008.