Eboue: fans were entitled to frustration

EMMANUEL EBOUE can understand why some Arsenal fans vented their frustrations at him – but has pledged to return stronger from the experience.

The Ivory Coast international suffered the ignominy of being replaced minutes from the end of the league win over Wigan earlier this month following a run of poor touches which had sections of the crowd on his back.

Eboue, though, made a swift return to the starting XI when he played in the Champions League fixture at Porto four days later, throwing his shirt into the travelling fans at the final whistle as gratitude for their support.

“I do not know why the fans did not back me, but that is football and you cannot do anything about it,” Eboue said.

“They pay money to watch Arsenal to win. Then when we do not play well, they are very angry. I do not blame them, and I hope they will all come out to support us (at home to Liverpool tomorrow), when we will try to win the game for them. I try to forget that now. I was disappointed, but I am happy now.

“After the game, my friends gave me a ring and helped me a lot. The next day in training, I saw the boss and he gave me confidence. Now I am feeling very well.”