KOLO Toure has warned Manchester City team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor to turn a deaf ear and keep his cool in front of the Arsenal hate mob on Saturday.
City captain Toure has told Adebayor that if he does not keep a check on his emotions he could wreck City’s bid to reclaim fourth position from Tottenham.
Adebayor faces a hostile reception when he makes his first return to the Emirates Stadium following his controversial £25million move to City last summer.
Gunners fans – and some Arsenal players – turned against him in his final season with the club when he was accused of some lazy performances.
And an emotional Adebayor snapped after being snubbed by some of his former team-mates and then hearing vile insults about his parents from fans when the teams met at Eastlands last September.
He ran the entire length of the pitch after scoring the third goal in City’s 4-2 win to goad Arsenal’s travelling supporters, prompting claims from police and stewards that his action could have sparked a riot.
The FA warned Adebayor over his future conduct and also banned him for three matches following a clash with Robin van Persie.
Toure and Patrick Vieira, both former Arsenal players, have taken time out this week to make personal pleas to Adebayor. They have spelt out to him that the best way to silence the fans is to score a goal.
“It will be tough for him because of everything that happened at the home game earlier this season,” said Toure. “I have had a word with him and so has Patrick.
TRANSFER BOLLOX
Manchester United are lining up a £20m summer move for Tottenham defender Gareth Bale, whom they first tried to sign from Southampton three years ago. Daily Express
United striker Dimitar Berbatov could be on his way to AC Milan in a summer swap deal with Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar going the opposite way. Caughtoffisde.com
Swansea boss Paulo Sousa could be the man to replace Hull's management consultant Iain Dowie at the KC Stadium. Daily Mail
And Cardiff manager Dave Jones is a shock contender to replace Gianfranco Zola as West Ham manager, should the Italian leave the club in the summer. Daily Mirror
Belgian international midfielder Jelle van Damme, who has just won a second consecutive league title with Anderlecht, says an unnamed English club has made a "concrete" offer for him, with Fulham thought to be interested. Daily Mirror
Aston Villa are interested in signing West Ham striker Carlton Cole to partner Gabriel Agbonlahor up front, as a replacement for John Carew who could move to Fulham.Caughtoffisde.com
Liverpool are lining up a bid for Rangers' £8m-rated teenage defender Danny Wilson, with the youngster being loaned back to the Gers next season.Caughtoffisde.com
OTHER BOLLOX
Celtic's 38-year-old caretaker manager Neil Lennon says he is ready to take the job on permanently. Daily Telegraph
And Walter Smith has hinted Ally McCoist could soon take over from him as Rangers manager, saying his assistant is "as ready as he's ever going to be" to become a manager. Daily Telegraph
Stoke manager Tony Pulis is fed up with the long journeys his reserves have to face and wants to play local friendlies instead. Daily Mail
Fabio Capello is buoyed by the news that Manchester United defender Wes Brown is back in training and could face Tottenham on Saturday. Daily Mail
Hull chairman Adam Pearson has launched a blistering attack on predecessor Paul Duffen, accusing him of "moral irresponsibility" for his running of the Premier League strugglers. Daily Mail
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says their marathon trek to Madrid for their Europa League semi-final has been a positive experience as it has brought the team closer together.the Times
Portsmouth's £119m list of debts includes £40 owed to Pukka Pies and 20p owed to Qatar Airways. The Sun
Tottenham claim they are owed £1m by Pompey over a deal for goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, despite the move never going through as the player opted to join Stoke instead. The Sun
A list of Manchester United's corporate customers has been posted on the internet by anti-Glazer protesters much to the anger of officials. Daily Mail
Colin Murray is thought to be favourite to replace Adrian Chiles as presenter of the BBC's MOTD2 programme.the Guardian
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