Pochettino speaks on Adebayor release

Speaking after his side’s 1-0 victory at Sunderland on Sunday afternoon, Pochettino admitted he was glad that the situation had been resolved between Emannuel Adebayor and Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite being told he would be allowed to find a new club and holding an hour-long chat with West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, it is understood Adebayor had refused to leave Tottenham unless they paid up the remainder of his contract – believed to be as much as £5million.

Pochettino also revealed on Friday Adebayor had been training with the under-21 squad after a self-imposed exile from the senior set-up.

The former Arsenal frontman had been on a Tottenham contract that ran until next summer.

He has been with Spurs for four years, initially signing on loan from Manchester City for the duration of the 2011-12 season.

He scored 18 goals in that campaign and made the switch permanent in the summer of 2012.

Last season – Pochettino’s first in charge at Tottenham – Adebayor made only 17 appearances in all competitions, netting twice..

Pochettino said to the press: “It was clear from last season, four months ago, the situation was clear. I’m happy because for him, it is important that now he has sorted the problem and as a club, we wish all the best to him because our relationship for one year was very good.

“But on the professional side, we needed to split.”

Asked if Spurs had paid the striker off, he replied with a smile: “That is not a question for me. I wish all the best to him and hope he finds a club and plays and enjoys his passion, which his football.”