Toure warns Adebayor to keep cool in Arsenal reunion

Manchester City captain Kolo Toure has warned Emmanuel Adebayor to keep his calm when the Togo striker makes a potentially explosive return to Arsenal on Saturday.

Adebayor provoked a furious reaction from Arsenal fans when he celebrated a goal against his former club at Eastlands in September by sprinting the length of the pitch before sliding to his knees in front of them.

The 26-year-old, who retired from international football earlier this month, was warned by the Football Association over his future conduct and also earned a retrospective three-match ban for an incident in the same match involving Robin van Persie, which left the Arsenal forward with a facial wound.

And with City travelling to Arsenal on Saturday for a crucial match as Roberto Mancini’s side chase fourth place in the Premier League, Ivory Coast defender Toure knows Adebayor must keep his emotions in check.

“The game against them last September was really difficult for him but he needs to show more intelligence because we all know that what he did was not the best reaction – and as a friend I’ve told him that,” Toure said.

“I’ve told him he must be calm and not do anything (provocative).

“Ade is a professional player and must just focus on the game and give everything to help the team win.”