Deschamps stopped Saints signing
Monaco star Emmanuel Adebayor has admitted that only a phone call from Didier Deschamps stopped him signing for Premiership side Southampton.
The talented striker was coveted by a number of clubs this summer, after it became clear he would not remain with Metz.
Southampton had looked in pole position, with Arsenal in the chase, and Adebayor admitted that Italian giants Juventus had also tried to find a way to buy him.
"I chose Monaco because [Monaco coach] Deschamps called me to say that he wanted me," said Adebayor.
"I was close to signing for Southampton when Didier called me.
"His phone call changed my mind.
"I know that Bordeaux and Lyon followed me and Arsenal also had their eye on me.
"But the other clubs that most wanted me were Juventus and Roma.
"Juve wanted to buy me and loan me back to Metz, but that didn't suit Metz - who were looking to sell me."
Adebayor has impressed since arriving at Monaco - and is currently second in the Championnat top-scorers table behind Ludovic Giuly, having scored four goals in the league, and seven in all competitions.
