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Emmanuel Eboue Can't Afford Washing Machine And Sleeps On Floor As Heartbreaking Reports Emerge

Emmanuel Eboue Can't Afford Washing Machine And Sleeps On Floor As Heartbreaking Reports Emerge

How things have changed for the former Arsenal defender...

Chris Ogden

Chris Ogden

He picked up millions during spells at Arsenal, Galatasaray and Sunderland, but Emmanuel Eboue has shockingly revealed that he has been pushed to the brink of suicide following troubles in his life.

In a heartbreaking interview with The Mirror, Eboue has revealed that he sometimes sleeps on the floor of a friend's home and hides from ­bailiffs on a daily basis.

He goes on to claim that he cleans his clothes by hand because he has no washing machine.

Currently unable to play football because of ill-health, Eboue has been involved in a divorce battle with wife Aurelie which has resulted in all of their assets being awarded to her.

He was ordered by a judge to transfer his home to Aurelie, so the former Arsenal defender has since hidden from bailiffs for three weeks.

Credit: PA

"I can't afford the money to continue to have any lawyer or barrister. I am in the house but I am scared. Because I don't know what time the police will come." Eboue told The Mirror.

"Sometimes I shut off the lights because I don't want people to know that I am inside. I put everything behind the door."

To add to his woes, the 34-year-old has not seen his children since June. Not to mention the fact that his grandfather Amadou Bertin, who raised him throughout his life, died in October.

Eboue spoke about being naive and has warned other young African footballers to learn from the mistakes he made:

"I look back and say ­'Emmanuel, you have been naive... why didn't you think about that before?' It is hard. Very, very hard. The money I earned, I sent it to my wife for our children." Eboue said.

"In Turkey I earned eight million euros. I sent seven million back home. Whatever she tells me to sign, I sign.

She is my wife. The problems with FIFA were because of people advising me. People who are supposed to care. But it was because of them FIFA banned me."


It's so sad to see such a huge character speaking like this.

We wish Eboue all the best for the future.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Arsenal