Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue was left distraught after a high-profile legends match was cancelled in Kenya on Friday. The match, which was to feature Eboue and other Arsenal legends against a select Harambee Stars legends team at Nyayo Stadium, was hyped up and attracted international attention. However, on Friday morning, it was announced that the game would not take place amid reports that the Arsenal legends who were to attend were not even aware of the cancellation, while others claimed there was a contractual dispute.
Some of the former Arsenal stars who were to feature in the match, as announced, were Nwankwo Kanu, who was to be captain of the side, Theo Walcott, Eboue, and Bacary Sagna, with Victor Wanyama captaining the Harambee Stars legends team that also included McDonald Mariga, Dennis Oliech, James Situma, and Mahmoud Abbas among others. Eboue played for Arsenal from 2004 to 2011 under legendary coach Arsene Wenger, managing 214 appearances, scoring 10 goals, and providing 20 assists.
Eboue expressed his disappointment and concern about the cancellation of the match, saying he feels sorry for the fans who were excited to watch the game. "I feel very sorry for the fans because we played for Arsenal and the fans were so excited to come," Eboue said after learning of the event's cancellation just hours upon arriving in Kenya on Friday. He also revealed that the cancellation would have a personal impact on him, as he had told his wife he would be playing in the match.
Eboue mentioned that it was his first time in Kenya and that he was looking forward to meeting the fans and playing in the match. "I came this morning and I am so tired. I was thinking we will play the game tonight but they told me the game is cancelled, but to be honest, I feel very sorry about that," he said. Eboue also expressed concern about what he would tell his wife, who was expecting him to play in the match.
The cancellation of the match was announced on Friday morning, leaving many fans and players disappointed. A statement from the organizers was shared on social media, but the reasons for the cancellation were not clearly stated. The match was expected to be a high-profile event, with many international players and fans attending.
Eboue's personal life has been in the spotlight in recent years, having married his childhood sweetheart Stephanie Boede after a widely publicized divorce from his ex-wife Aurelie Bertrand. He has since admitted that the divorce left him broke. Eboue retired from football in 2016 and has since been involved in various football-related activities.
The cancellation of the Kenya legends match has left many fans and players disappointed, and it remains to be seen if the match will be rescheduled for a later date. Eboue and the other players who were to feature in the match have expressed their disappointment and concern about the cancellation, and it is hoped that a solution will be found soon.
Key points
- The match was cancelled due to reported contractual disputes and lack of awareness among Arsenal legends.
- Eboue expressed disappointment and concern about the cancellation, citing the impact on fans and his personal life.
- The match was expected to feature several high-profile players, including Eboue, Nwankwo Kanu, and Theo Walcott.
