Emmanuel Adebayor says he played a decisive role in Marvin Senaya’s choice to represent Ghana, arguing that the prospect of playing at a World Cup was the key factor behind the defender’s decision.
The former Togo captain revealed his involvement in an interview with Ghanaian media outlet 3Sports on Monday, claiming he effectively made the decision on behalf of the AJ Auxerre full-back.
Senaya had attracted significant attention in the Togolese sports press after opting to play for the Black Stars. His name had also appeared on a list of players called up by Togo, while his father – a former Togo international – had publicly supported that option.
Adebayor, who previously played for Manchester City, Arsenal and Monaco, said his connection to Senaya’s godfather allowed him to influence the player when the time came to choose between the two countries.
“I was not part of the decision; in reality, I made the decision for him,” Adebayor said.
“He is close to someone I helped enormously in Togo, someone I sent to Europe and whose entire education I paid for. That person has now become his godfather.
“So whenever Marvin needs anything, he goes through that person to contact me. So when the time came, it was obvious.”
Adebayor suggested that Ghana’s ability to offer a route to the World Cup was central to his advice, although he did not provide further details about the process behind Senaya’s international choice.
The decision places Senaya at the centre of discussions in Togo, where he had been considered for selection and had received the backing of his father. Ghana’s national team, meanwhile, has secured the player’s allegiance.