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HAUNTED BY PAL'S DEATH

Ex-Arsenal ace Emmanuel Eboue reveals he is haunted by former Premier League ace’s suicide

The body of Steve Gohouri, who played at Wigan seven years ago, was recovered from Germany’s river Rhein in January 2016 after a battle with depression

FORMER Premier League star Emmanuel Eboue has told how the tragic death of a former team mate has haunted him for two years.

The body of Steve Gohouri, who played at Wigan seven years ago, was recovered from Germany’s river Rhein in January 2016 after a battle with depression. He was just 34.

 Emmanuel Eboue has been deeply affected by his pal's tragic death
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Emmanuel Eboue has been deeply affected by his pal's tragic deathCredit: Mirrorpix
 Tragic Steve Gohouri had along battle with depression
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Tragic Steve Gohouri had along battle with depressionCredit: Action Images - Reuters

"We played together for the Ivory Coast national team many years ago,” he told the Mirror online. “He was depressed a lot. He killed himself.

“I did everything with him. He was playing for Wigan in England. Then he went to Germany. Then he went down into the leagues below.

“One day he couldn’t take it. He got into his car and drove into the sea. They looked for him for one week before they found him.

“I pray every day. I want God to help me. To help me to take it out of my head. I don’t want to think about suicidal thoughts.”

 Eboue has revealed how going broke has led him to the brink of suicide
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Eboue has revealed how going broke has led him to the brink of suicideCredit: Mirrorpix
 Eboue was once big name player at Arsenal
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Eboue was once big name player at ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Ex Arsenal star Eboue has revealed yesterday how going broke has led him to the brink of suicide.

The 34-year-old Ivorian used to make millions in the Premier League but is now sleeping on his friend's floor, washing his clothes by hand and hiding from bailiffs.

In an interview with the Sunday Mirror, Eboue told how he lost a divorce battle that left his wife Aurelie with all of their assets and how he has no contact with his daughters Clara, 14, and Maeva, 12.

He said: “Every day I wash my jeans, my clothes, everything. My hands are hard. As though I have been working on a farm.

 Emmanuel Eboue played for Arsenal for seven years and made millions
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Emmanuel Eboue played for Arsenal for seven years and made millionsCredit: AFP

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

"I am in the house but I am scared. Because I don’t know what time the police will come.

“I look back and say ­‘Emmanuel, you have been naive... why didn’t you think about that before?’ It is hard.

"The money I earned, I sent it to my wife for our children.

 Emmanuel Eboue pictured scoring in the Champions League during happier times
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Emmanuel Eboue pictured scoring in the Champions League during happier timesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Emmanuel Eboue and his wife pictured in happier times before he joined Arsenal
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Emmanuel Eboue and his wife pictured in happier times before he joined ArsenalCredit: AFP

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

Eboue played for Arsenal for seven years before moving to Turkish side Galatasaray in 2011.

He has represented the Ivory Coast 79 times, scoring three goals in his international career and playing at the World Cup.


For confidential emotional support call the Samaritans helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by dialling 116 123. The number is free to call from the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Visit the Samaritans website for more information.