The Togolese striker missed several games through suspension and also was absent for half-a-dozen games due to tragic events at the African Cup of Nations in January.
“I can’t wait to get started,” he said. “I’m looking forward to next season and though it’s going to be very difficult to get in the team, but as a footballer at a top club, you expect to be challenged - that’s football.”
Despite only starting 25 of the Blues’ 38 games last season, Manu, who recently became the father of a new baby girl, still finished second-top scorer with 14 goals – an average better than one strike every two games – and with his retirement from international football, he could well top that figure during 2010/11.
Yet despite his terrifying experiences with Togo earlier this year, Manu is leaving the door open to possibly one day represent his country again.
“For nine years, I have put my country first before everything, but now the most important thing for me is my life,” he said.
I have to put my life first before my country and I have a good family and children that I have to look after
...Emmanuel Adebayor
“If the organisation is good and if our government is ready to improve the standard of football and not involve politics, yes I will change my mind. Because I love football and love playing football and also want to give something back.”
With his stint as a BBC World Cup pundit now over, Manu says the tournament has been a huge boost to African football and believes the reverberations will continue for decades to come.
“People are here to have fun and are enjoying themselves. It is a positive thing for our continent,” he said.
“Seeing players like Lionel Messi, Robinho, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo perform will definitely change the lives of Africans.
“Football in Africa is something that is evolving constantly. A lot has changed, even in the last 20 years.”
