Fresh start for Adebayor

Emmanuel Adebayor hopes he can begin a new chapter of his career at Real Madrid after a torrid spell with Manchester City.

The Togolese striker fell out of favour at Eastlands under the reign of Roberto Mancini, after being signed from Arsenal in a 25-million-pound deal under Mark Hughes, and has now agreed to a six month loan deal by Jose Mourinho as the Real boss looks to bolster his attacking stocks.

Real also have the option to buy Adebayor outright come the end of the season.

Aside from his inability to win a spot in the City starting line up, Adebayor is lucky to be alive after being injured by a terrorist attack on his country’s team bus at the African Cup of Nations 12 months ago – prompting his retirement from international football.

The 26-year-old said he wants a fresh start under Mourinho at the Bernabeu, and is keen to put the dramas of the last year behind him.

“After Arsenal, when I went to Man City, don’t get me wrong, it’s true that I had an up and down time, and I was nearly dead as well on the way to the African Nations Cup,” Adebayor said.

“I was a little bit traumatised by all those kinds of things and it was a very difficult moment for me. Last year started very badly, but 2011 started very well by signing a contract with Real Madrid.”

“Hopefully there’s a lot of good coming my way, so I have to praise God that I’m still alive and I get the chance to wear the white shirt of Real Madrid.”

“I’m very honoured and very, very happy to join this club. And for all that has happened over the last six months today I’m more comfortable, more relieved and I’m very happy.”

“I’m a footballer and what I need is to play football, to be out there on the pitch.”

“The most important thing for me is to enjoy myself here and everybody is making me feel at home. I’m going to talk to the boss (Mourinho) to see how I can help the team win things.”

“I’m here to learn. Players never stop learning. I will learn and from then I will have to improve my game. I have to score goals, I have to create goals, I have to make things happen.”