Arsenal icon was left penniless and 'homeless' despite earning £20m

A former Arsenal hero was left penniless after going through a costly divorce which saw his former wife awarded all of their assets. The defender reportedly earned more than £20million over the course of his career, which began in his native Ivory Coast. He was picked up by Belgian side Beveren in 2002 before joining Arsenal two years later.

The player achieved cult hero status in north London and was a member of the side that played in the Champions League final in 2006. He ended up making over 200 appearances for the Gunners before eventually moving to Galatasaray in 2011. He signed for Sunderland five years later but was released after just one month, having been banned from football for failing to pay a former agent.

The man in question is of course Emmanuel Eboue, who fell on hard times after the end of his playing career. He lost a bitter divorce battle, which resulted in his wife being awarded millions of pounds worth of assets.

Eboue was also ordered by a judge to transfer his remaining Enfield home to his wife, leaving him anxiously waiting for the police to arrive.

At the time, he told the Sunday Mirror: "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.

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

"I suffered to buy my house but I am now scared. I am not going to sell my clothes or sell what I have. I will fight until the end because it is not fair."

Eboue even admitted to contemplating suicide at times, saying: "I want God to help me. Only he can help take these thoughts from my mind."

Thankfully, the former Arsenal man has since recovered financially and successfully rebuilt his life. He went on to remarry, tying the knot with his childhood sweetheart after returning to the Ivory Coast.

Speaking two years ago, he said: "I am so happy, I am very well. I just want to say to my fans that Emmanuel Eboue is well. I am here in my country, I am helping the young people who want to play football so God bless you and see you soon."

Eboue also denied that he was ever homeless, adding: "When I hear people say I lost everything, I laugh. I have properties in Ghana, I have properties in my home country.

"I live very comfortably and I thank God. So, when people keep talking and say Emmanuel Eboue doesn't have anything, he can't eat, doesn't have a place to stay, it's not true."

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