Adebayor hails Mourinho effect

Emmanuel Adebayor has hailed the impact Jose Mourinho has had on his game since his loan move to Real Madrid.

The Manchester City striker moved to the Spanish capital last month in a deal running to the end of the season.

The La Liga giants will then have an option to sign the 26-year-old on a permanent basis.

Adebayor, who had been pushed to the fringes of the City squad, has already scored twice for his new club, netting in wins over Sevilla and Real Sociedad.

“I’m very happy for scoring two goals,” Adebayor told a press conference in Madrid.

“I will work hard every day to help win our games.

“It is very easy to work with Mourinho. He is an excellent person and he enhances my game.

“He has his own way of dealing with people. He tells you what he expects you to do.”

The change of scenery looks to have sparked an upturn in the Togolese striker’s fortunes, and the presence of several English-speaking team-mates has allowed him to settle.

“I want to thank my team-mates for helping me adapt so easily to this league championship.

“Granero, Ramos, Ronaldo, Pepe, Marcelo… They all speak English, so they understand me and I understand them. I am very happy to be here.”

Real Madrid are seven points behind leaders Barcelona in the Spanish top flight, but Adebayor vowed: “We will fight to the end to win every title.”

The 26-year-old also gave an insight into the lasting impression the deadly terrorist attack on Togo’s team bus ahead of last year’s African Nations Cup has had on him.

“Luckily, I still have both my legs and can play football,” he said.

“I sometimes mistake loud noises for bullets, but I’m over it now and ready to work.”

Muntari showed promise – Bramble

Sunderland defender Titus Bramble believes midfielder Sulley Muntari will only get better after an impressive debut against Stoke City on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Muntari joined the Black Cats on loan after making only 11 appearances for parent club Inter Milan this campaign.

“Sulley was one of the best players on the pitch,” Bramble told BBC Newcastle.

“It’s a shame he got tired but once he’s played one or two games for Sunderland he’ll be even better.”

The Ghana international, who played for Portsmouth before joining Inter, has scored 17 goals in 56 games for his national team.

Benin international midfielder Stephane Sessegnon, signed from Paris Saint Germain for £6m during the transfer window, has also impressed Bramble.

“Sessegnon was fantastic playing behind Asamoah Gyan because he’s got such a good brain he’s hard to pick up,” Bramble added.

“He finds little holes, he gets on the ball for us and gets us going forward. He and Sulley are two fantastic signings from the manager in January.”

Story from BBC SPORT:

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