Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor launches Facebook tirade against ungrateful family

TOTTENHAM striker Emmanuel Adebayor has offered an extraordinary insight into the behind-the-scenes life of football stars.

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EMMANUEL Adebayor, the Tottenham and Togo striker, has used his Facebook page to attack his own family, who he claims have done little but take advantage of his huge wealth, accrued from professional football - and to refute their claims he has not done enough to help them since his move to Europe.

Late last year the former Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid front man dismissed reports he had kicked his own mother out of his house. And in an even stranger public engagement between the pair, even claimed she had practised black magic on him.

The rambling 877-word statement begins by saying family matters should remain private, before going on to call out numerous members of his family, with the stated aim of allowing ‘other African families to learn from this’.

Adebayor with his mother and his charitable foundation: Facebook.

In it, the 31-year old outlines an extensive wrap sheet, claiming his late brother Peter sold false stories about him to the British tabloid press, and makes the point that he covers the cost of regular travel between Germany and Africa for his other brother Kola, also claiming to pay for Kola’s children’s education.

He also alleges that he gave his mother money to start a cookie-selling business (which would of course benefit from using his name and face as an endorsement) as well as paying for a week of treatment for her with a faith healer that she only turned up for the first two days of.

According to Adebayor, he bought a $1.2m house in Ghana for his sister Yabo and half-brother Daniel to stay in. When he went to visit he discovered she had kicked out his other sibling and was using the property for rental income.

But perhaps most extraordinary story relates to his brother Rotimi, who he hoped would follow him into a career in football.

“When I was in Monaco I thought it would be good to have a family of footballers. So I made sure my brother Rotimi gets into a football academy in France. Within a few months; out of 27 players, he stole 21 phones,” Adebayor wrote.

Adebayor's Facebook rant in full:

At the age of 17, with my first wages as a footballer, I built a house for my family and made sure they are safe. As you all know, I have received the trophy of African Player of the Year in 2008. I also brought my mother on stage with me to thank her for everything. In that same year, I brought her to London for various medical check ups. When my daughter was born, we contacted my mum to inform her but she immediately hung up the phone and didn't wanna know hear about it.

Reading your recent comments, some people said my family and I should consult T.B Joshua. In 2013, I gave my mother money so she could consult him in Nigeria. She was supposed to stay for 1 week; but 2 days into her stay, I received a call saying she left. Apart from all that l also gave my mother a great amount of money to start a business of cookies and different items. Naturally, I allowed them to put my name and picture on them so they can sell more. What else can a son do in his power to support his family?

A couple years ago, I bought a house in East Lagon (Ghana) for $1.2 million. I found it normal to let my older sister, Yabo Adebayor stay in that house. I also allowed my half brother (Daniel) to stay in the same house. A few months later, I was on vacation and decided to go to that house.

At my surprise, I saw many cars in the driveway. In fact, my sister decided to rent out the house without me knowing. She also kicked Daniel out of that house. Note that the house had about 15 rooms. When I called her and asked for explanation, she took about 30 minutes to abuse and insult me over the phone. I called my mother to explain the situation and she did the same as my sister. This same sister says I am ungrateful. Ask her about the car she is driving or anything she is selling today?

My brother Kola Adebayor, has now been in Germany for 25 years. He travelled back home about 4 times, at my expense. I fully cover the cost of his children's education. When I was in Monaco, he came to me and asked for money to start a business. Only God knows how much I gave him. Where is that business today?

When our brother Peter passed away, I sent Kola a great amount of money so he could fly back home. He never showed up at the burial. And today that same brother (Kola) is telling people that I am involved in Peter's death. How? He is the same brother who went and told inaccurate stories about our family to "The Sun" in other to take some money. They also sent a letter to my Club when I was in Madrid so I could get fired.

When I was in Monaco I thought it would be good to have a family of footballers. So I made sure my brother Rotimi gets into a football academy in France. Within a few months; out of 27 players, he stole 21 phones.

I would not say any anything about my brother Peter Adebayor because he is not here today. May his soul rest in peace.

My sister Lucia Adebayor keeps telling people that my dad told me to bring her to Europe. But what would be the purpose to bring her to Europe ? Everyone is here for a reason.

I was in Ghana when I received the news about my brother Peter being seriously ill. I drove the fastest I could to Togo in order to meet him and help. When I arrived, my mother said I could not see him and I should just give the money and she would solve everything. Only God knows how much I gave her that day. People are saying I didn't do anything to save my brother, Peter. Am I a fool to drive 2 hours to Togo for nothing?

I organized a meeting in 2005 to solve our family issues. When I asked them about their opinion, they said I should build each family member a house and give each of them a monthly wage. 

Today I am still alive and they have already shared all my goods, just in case I die. 

For all these reasons, it took very long for me to set up my foundation in Africa. Every time I try to help the people in need, they had to question me and all of them thought it was a bad idea.

If I am writing this, the main purpose is not to expose my family members. I just want other African families to learn from this. Thank you

Originally published as Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor launches Facebook tirade against ungrateful family