Eboue: Boos made me stronger
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Emmanuel Eboue insists the abuse he received from his own fans has made him a stronger person.
The Arsenal crowd turned on the Ivorian in the closing stages of The Gunners’ victory over Wigan in December, booing his every touch, until he was hauled off by boss Arsene Wenger.
The 25-year-old was left shaken by the incident but has since come back into the side to good effect, with a notable assist for Abou Diaby’s goal at Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
Eboue insists he is now better for the experience and perhaps surprisingly, had a message of thanks for the fans.
"Yes [I feel stronger now] and I’d just like to say thank you to my friends in the team, and to the staff and the boss," he said on the official club website.
"They helped me a lot after that game, because I was very disappointed and angry – not with the fans, but with the game itself. I’d tried to give my best but nothing came off for me, and I know these things can happen sometimes.
"But I have to thank the supporters – lots of people have said sorry to me and I’ve received a lot of cards and messages over the Christmas period, which has been really nice.
"So I’m feeling much better now and am pleased to have the chance to play. Against Portsmouth I was a little bit tired but I tried to give my best for the fans."
Eboue has been forced to play in numerous positions under Wenger, having converted from an exciting young full back to a right winger, while also filling in on the left or in the centre of midfield.
But the utitlity man insists he is happiest on the right side of midfield and is now fully focused on that position.
"Yes, I feel much better now in this position," he said.
"Previously, I didn’t know whether I was staying in midfield or returning to right-back – I wasn’t certain of what my long-term position would be. But having spoken to the manager I know that this is my position and I’m comfortable now.
"I’m fully focused on being a midfielder and know what to expect – but of course I can play at right-back if needed, and I’m very happy to do so for the team."
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tats the way. happy for him.
it is so easy to be lethal when ur own fans boo u.
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if abuse too much u will see he score wrong side
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wenger's job is to make THE WHOLE SQUARD stronger, not just you.
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i hope he gain in strength and show it on the field lor.
otherwise, just plain talk.