Manu Adebayor says he could spend the rest of his career at Arsenal.

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 Arsene 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."