This Arsenal Invincible laughed at me when I first joined. I ended up replacing him in the starting XI
Emmanuel Eboue in Arsenal training in 2009 (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) Former Arsenal right-back Emmanuel Eboue has revealed that legendary Gunners Invincibles player Lauren laughed at him upon his arrival. Eboue was not a prominent name when he joined Arsenal, moving as a young talent from Belgian side Beveren after catching Arsene Wenger’s attention. The Ivorian showcased potential, but competing for a spot in Wenger’s lineup was tough with an established player like Lauren already in the mix. The former Cameroon international played a crucial role in Arsenal’s Invincibles team that completed the Premier League season unbeaten in 2003/04 and was also part of the double-winning squad from two years prior. Eboue has now shared, in an interview with Ladbrokes during the launch of Ladisfaction, that Lauren laughed at his ambition to become a starter when he first joined and told him as much. Emmanuel Eboue on Lauren laughing at him at Arsenal “When I arrived, Arsene Wenger talked a lot with me and wanted to clarify what was expected of me,” Eboue mentioned. “He understood that the beginning would be tough for me, but he expressed his belief in me, and that was what mattered. You know, when Arsene Wenger says that to you, you realize you’re in a good position. He only wanted me to give it my all. Emmanuel Eboue celebrates a goal for Arsenal (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) “Initially, it was challenging for me to break into the team since Lauren was already established there, being such a talented player with a significant career. But I told him early on, ‘Lauren, listen… I’m here to play. I’m not here to warm the bench.’ “He laughed at me, and I needed him to understand how serious I was. Even though I was still very young, my intent was to play. And despite being my competitor for a spot in the team, he was incredibly supportive… he made everything feel manageable.” Emmanuel Eboue ended up being Arsenal’s first choice Eboue joined Arsenal in January 2005, and while it took time to secure a starting spot, he seized his chance when Lauren suffered an injury the following season. AFC supporters will recall fondly how Eboue was part of that makeshift back four, which proved to be incredibly solid during the memorable run to the Champions League final in 2005/06. Eboue emerged as one of the unsung heroes of that journey, alongside fellow youth player Philippe Senderos and Mathieu Flamini, who played out of position at left-back.
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Arsenal continued to assign Eboue as their primary right-back in the following season; however, he was then shifted forward when Bacary Sagna joined the squad. This transition resulted in a dip in form for Eboue, leading to the embarrassing moment when he was substituted off by Wenger shortly after being brought on due to his poor performance.
Published: 2026-01-10 13:36:00
source: www.caughtoffside.com
