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."
