Adebayor refuses to help Togo's COVID-19 battle: 'I will always do what I want'

Former Premier League striker Emmanuel Adebayor won't donate to Togolese capital Lome's fight against the coronavirus pandemic because he feels mistreated by his homeland.

The 36-year-old, who now represents Paraguayan giants Olimpia, also expressed frustration at being compared to Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o, fellow Africans who have been lauded for their philanthropy and political support for the continent.

"I am compared with Drogba and Eto'o. However, I am neither of them. I am Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor and I will always do what I want," Adebayor said in a Facebook Live conversation with 13 TV on Tuesday, with translation from ESPN's Jonathan Johnson.

"I do what I want, I eat what I want, and this is the most important thing. Of course, there will be those who criticize me because I did not create a foundation in Lome."

The veteran frontman, who cost £25 million when he moved from Arsenal to Manchester City in 2009, openly refused to pledge money to help Togo halt the spread of COVID-19. There are 88 confirmed coronavirus cases in the West African nation, with six related deaths.

"For those saying I do not donate, let me be very clear: I do not donate. It is very simple," Togo's record appearance holder and goal-scorer added.

"It is like some people believe that I brought coronavirus to Lome. It is very unfortunate but that is how it is and that is how this country is."