The 26-year-old has been capped 38 times by his country, scoring 16 goals, but says the events of January, when Togo’s team bus was the victim of a tragic terrorist attack on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations, has made it difficult for him to continue representing the Sparrow Hawks.
“Following the tragic events during January’s Africa Cup of Nations, in which two of my fellow countrymen were killed by terrorists in Angola, I have made the very difficult decision to retire from international football,” Adebayor said in a statement on Manchester City's official website.
“I have weighed up my feelings in the weeks and months since the attack, and I am still haunted by the events which I witnessed on that horrible afternoon on the Togo team bus. We were just footballers going to play a football match and represent out country, yet we were attacked by people who wanted to kill us all.
“It is a moment I will never forget and one I never want to experience again.”
Adebayor gained his first cap in 2004 against Zambia, and represented his country at the 2006 World Cup.
Despite his controversial moments — he once threatened to leave the Nations Cup in 2006 after being used as a substitute in the first game — last year Adebayor was appointed captain of his country, and his last cap was in the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Gabon last November.
While Togo failed to qualify for the tournament in South Africa, he wishes his countrymen the very best for the future.
“For nine years I have played for the Togo team and, despite the events in Angola, I have some very good memories of my international career.
“I feel very proud to have been trusted with the position of captain of the Togolese football team. Leading your country in international competition is the ultimate honour for any player.
“Togo has some very talented players, and I dearly hope the players who remain will be able to put their memories of Angola behind them and go onto be a success for the nation. I have enormous belief in each and every one of them, players, coaches, staff and their families.
“The people who were on that coach together will forever be joined by a special bond - we are all brothers. I will always have the team and the people of Togo close to my heart and wish them every success in the challenges that they will face in the future.”