10 Underwhelming Arsenal Signings Who Became Cult Heroes

3. Emmanuel Eboue

Can one really be classified as a cult hero if they have been mercilessly booed off the pitch by their own supporters to such an extent that it almost reduced them to a public display of tears? Apparently so, such as the love-hate dynamic that existed for Emmanuel Eboue, during his comically haphazard tenure at the club. Having been drafted in from Belgian side Beveren in 2005, nobody really took notice of the 22 year old's signature, before he was unleashed as a master trump card on European heavyweights Real Madrid, Juventus and Villeareal the following season. The low ebb came in December 2008 when supporters at the Emirates grew frustrated with a string of unforced errors against Wigan Athletic and chose to punish the Ivorian with a vitriolic booing. Following that forgettable afternoon of regret, Eboue established himself as a firm fan favourite through hard work, determination and some light-hearted antics amongst his team-mates. Never one of the most talented footballers amongst the alumni of Arsene Wenger's staff, the Ivorian international was certainly a positive influence on team spirit in the dressing room, and quickly became the emblem of 'banter' amongst Gunners supporters.