Emmanuel Adebayor 'exiles' himself from Tottenham Hotspur first team to train with Under-21s

The striker has been told he has no future at White Hart Lane

Emmanuel Adebayor has decided to train with Tottenham's Under-21s rather than the first team (Getty Images)

Emmanuel Adebayor has rejected the chance to train with Tottenham Hotspur's first team and has instead exiled himself to the club's Under-21s.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has said he informed the 31-year-old that he was surplus to his squad's requirements at the end of last season.

“We gave him the opportunity to train with the first team at different times," said the Argentinian coach.

"But he decided to train with the Under-21s. Always we give him the same opportunity to train and treat him the same as any other player."

During the window, Adebayor was given the opportunity to join his old boss Tim Sherwood at Aston Villa. He also spoke with West Ham United over a potential loan move, but both deals broke down due to the striker's wage demands.

The striker reportedly wanted Tottenham to pay out the final year of his contract, worth around £5m, before he would make the move.

“Am I surprised he decided not to go? Yes, but this is his decision,” said Pochettino.

“Four months ago, we told the truth and said, ‘You are not part of my plans’.

“I was clear with him. The decision was very clear. To retract it now would not be right. It is the best decision for the club."

Adebayor now looks set to go without playing senior football until at least January.

Earlier this week, he was banned by his international side Togo for failing to turn up for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Djibouti.

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