Adebayor: I thought I was going to die

Posted Saturday, February 20, 2010 by PA

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed he sent his parents a text message saying he was about to die in last month's terrorist attack on the Togo team bus at the African Nations Cup.

Togo pulled out of the tournament after a gun attack on the team bus left two people dead.

"I sent texts to my mum and dad saying 'I'm going to die'," Adebayor revealed on BBC1's Football Focus.

"To explain what happened (on the coach) is difficult...you can't imagine the sound of the bullets.

"I have one more chance to be alive - but what God has given to you he can take back.

The 25-year-old admits his recent subdued goal celebrations with City are as a result of his changed outlook following the attack.

Prior to the attack Adebayor had celebrated goals enthusiastically, notably on September 12 when he netted twice against former club Arsenal at Eastlands and was fined £25,000 and given a suspended two-match ban for his reaction.

He continued: "When I came back to Manchester City all the players were very nice to me - they gave me more confidence. But I have a different perspective on everything now. I'm happy to be alive.

"When I scored a goal before the joy came into my body, it was an emotion. That's gone, I don't know why. I hope it comes back.

"I haven't lost my motivation for scoring goals but when I hear the noise (of the crowd celebrating) it's not giving me anything inside my body at all."