PLAYER PROFILE

Emmanuel Eboue

Position: Defence

Height: 5'10

Weight: 11st 5lbs

Date of Birth: 1983-06-04 Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Emmanuel Eboue

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger welcomed Emmanuel Eboue to Highbury after the Ivory Coast interntaional officially completed his move from Beveren in January 2004.

The 21-year-old right back had been training with the Arsenal first team since January 1.

"Emmanuel Eboue is predominantly a right-back but he has played at centre-half this season for Beveren and he can even play in midfield," said Wenger.

"He is a strong, young player and he has good power, pace and skill. We are delighted to welcome Emmanuel to Arsenal and he will go straight into the squad for our match against Stoke."

Eboue made his debut for his country in September 2003 in a World Cup qualifier against Sudan and played six games while on trial with the Gunners in July 2004.

He started his career at ASEC Abidjan in his homeland before being snapped up by Beveren in 2002.

He scored four goals in 65 appearances for the Belgian side and, after making 32 appearances for the Gunners during the 05/06 season, became a valued and trusted member of Arsene Wenger's squad.

However, Eboue suffered a mixed season in 2006/07 as his progress was hampered by a recurring ankle injury.

He went on to make 32 appearances all in all, but his season was marred by his part in the brawl which closed the Carling Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea in May.

He hit out at Wayne Bridge and, although he was not sent-off, was later banned for three games.

Things didn't improve much in 2007/08 as a handful of ineffective appearances drew criticism from pundits and fans alike. This continued in to the 2008/09 season, and Eboue was booed off by Arsenal fans after being substitued in the Premier League win over Wigan, despite only coming on as a substitute in the first half.