The Togo striker has blossomed with the added responsibility on his
shoulders this season following the departure of Thierry
Henry.
Adebayor admitted he found it hard to settle in the early stages of
his Emirates Stadium career and suffered a loss of confidence in
front of goal.
But a conversation with manager Arsene Wenger persuaded the forward
that his long-term future lay with the Premier League
leaders.
Adebayor told L'Equipe: "When I joined Arsenal I was not good. I
missed easy chances in front of goal and lost trust in
myself.
"I needed to improve my game too, my ball control was bad. I was a
little awkward in front of goal.
"The critics have affected me. I wanted to show they were wrong.
People often forget I am only 23 years old.
"I had a talk with Arsène Wenger. He told me I will be a key player
this season and he convinced me to stay.
"However, the coach made me understand I had to improve. So I
worked twice as hard.
"Now people can see the new Adebayor. I feel I have reached a new
step.
"In a way, Henry's departure has liberated me. Today I know I will
play, so I can dare much more.
"Deep inside of me, I never wanted to leave. Arsenal is a family
club, where I hope to end my career.
"The team is young and we want to win a lot of trophies
together."
