Eboue. What can I say about him? He really is something else. Known as the jokester of the dressing room, he also is a decent player. He was signed in 2005 and has put in a very good shift for us: he played in the Champions League Final, and didn't do terribly during his time as a starter. However, Sagna rose through the ranks and eventually took his place.
But credit to Eboue - he was never really suited for defense, as his natural position is right midfield. Even so, he did well enough and we should credit him for that.
Eboue is now 28, which many "experts" say is the prime period of a players career. For Eboue, it seems like his career is nearing an end, sadly enough. According to People, Turkish side Galatasary are on the verge of signing Eboue. And while People make it sound as if Eboue was left behind during the Asia Tour so that he could sort out a deal, Eboue was in fact injured. People is just desperate to make a story!
So while this story is only coming from People, it does seem like a very possible transfer.
I'm on the fence on whether or not I want Eboue to leave the club. Here's my take on both views.
I once had a vocabulary test for a school, and on the list of words to memorize was the word "Ebullient". I didn't have to study the word at all, because "Ebullient" matches Eboue's personality perfectly.
Ebullient
e·bul·lient
adjective
Cheerful and full of energy.
Works perfectly, doesn't it?
Anyway, what I'm trying to get at is that Eboue has a special personality. He's funny, upbeat, and always positive. I mean, look at him.
He brings something to the club, and especially the dressing room that no one else does. Did it not deeply hurt you, when after the Carling Cup Eboue was consoling a broken Jack?
While he wasn't the best on the pitch, I think he is needed off the pitch. During away matches, who always seems to applaud the away fans, even when he doesn't play? Eboue. And I'm sure during the low parts of our season, especially during our poor run of form, Eboue was there in the dressing room, almost acting as an assistant manager of sorts, trying to pump up the squad, getting them optimistic for the upcoming task.
And while I (obviously) support everything I just said, there is another problem with Eboue. Perhaps his personality isn't what the club needs during a time like this.
Eboue seems to have an extremely laid back, relaxed, personality. He's always laughing, even when he conceded that penalty against Liverpool that made me want to strangle him!
What I'm getting at is, perhaps his personality played against us in the latter stages of the season. When Arsenal needed to be focused, it seemed they weren't.
Eboue may have instilled a relaxed mood into the club, if you know what I mean.
Also, from the financial side of things, it would be good to let Eboue go now; he'll be worth more this season than next. And in terms of chances, Jenkinson looks promising, and Eboue would either stop Jenkinson from getting action, or Jenkinson would play and Eboue would constantly sit the bench. I personally think the latter is the most likely scenario, with Wenger's philosophy.
Emmanuel has had a good career with Arsenal, and this is a club that I think he loves. However he is past his prime, and perhaps a new challenge in Turkey would spark his form back into life.
I'd hate to see Eboue go, but I think Arsenal will sell him if they have the chance. Unlike other clubs, our squad is young, so there aren't many players retiring or leaving for a lesser league to "settle down" in. Therefore, it's harder for Arsenal to bring in more players when we already have a handful to deal with!
On top of that, we sent out 15 players on loan last season, which is a little too much to handle. That must also be cut down on.
If Eboue leaves, it will be a sad day for Arsenal indeed. So,
Dear Eboue,
Good luck, and never forget us, because we will never forget you.
Love,
Chris
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