Eboue: It's always about the team

Emmanuel Eboue knows people think he is "crazy" - but the utility man is deadly serious about helping Arsene Wenger's side achieve their goals.

Eboue is now something of a cult figure among Arsenal fans, having come full circle after suffering the ignominy of being replaced following a substitute appearance which saw him the subject of sarcastic jeers from the home supporters during a Premier League match against Wigan in December 2008.
The 27-year-old is often used an impact player by Wenger from the bench, utilising his pace down the flanks or to provide the team with a different dimension on the overlap, particularly in the Champions League.
However, with Bacary Sagna set for a couple of weeks on the sidelines after picking up a thigh problem while on international duty for France, Eboue is poised for an extended run in the side ahead of the visit of Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday night where victory would all but secure Arsenal's qualification from Group H after only three games.
Eboue, though, has never let himself worry about how much playing time he is given, so long as it all works out for the collective good.
"I never think about myself - for me, it is always about the team," said Eboue, signed from Beveren seven years ago and who played in the 2006 Champions League final defeat against Barcelona.
"Even if I am not brought on, I am just privileged to be among the 18 players.
"When I play, I try to do my best, but I also love to see my friends score goals and play well, it makes me happy and proud.
"I have a responsibility to the squad whatever the situation.
"When Theo [Walcott] scored his hat-trick against Blackpool, I ran straight up to him. My heart is clean and I don't think negative things about people.
"God tells us to respect everyone so that is how I behave towards players, managers, staff, everybody I meet.
"People say I am crazy because I am always laughing and trying to make everyone happy, but it is how I am - it is not only at Arsenal, it is for the Ivory Coast also and at home with my wife and kids too."
Eboue had been linked with a move away from Arsenal during the summer. However, he stressed: "I am still so happy to be playing here, with these guys and for this manager.
"It was my dream before and to make seven years will be incredible.
"I am one of the senior players now - I feel comfortable within the squad and always do what I can to help the young boys."
Eboue is a popular member of the group, and Wenger paid tribute to the Ivorian's unique character.
"Emmanuel has a good club mentality and he has a sense of collective belonging," said the Arsenal manager.
"He wants to be part of the club and is a great player.
"Usually I will rotate him and Sagna, and Sagna has had more games because Eboue can play in midfield.
"But you need two right-backs and we have two quality right-backs.
"No matter who plays - Sagna or Eboue - we always feel we have a strong right-back."
Like the Gunners, Shakhtar have maximum points from their opening two Champions League matches.
Croatia striker Eduardo joined the Ukrainians during the summer, having found himself pushed down the pecking order at Emirates Stadium following the free transfer signing of Marouane Chamakh.
Wenger admits it was not easy to see Eduardo move on, the 27-year-old having fought his way back to full fitness following an horrific broken leg and dislocated ankle at Birmingham in February 2008.
"Eduardo is at the stage where he has to play and we could not guarantee him that time, that is why [I allowed him to leave]," the Arsenal manager recalled.
"But it makes me sad twice - because it reminds me how he got injured and because he is an outstanding guy."
Wenger added: "I did not expect to see him [again] so quickly, but we are happy to see him back."