Etame Mayer
| Squad Number: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Position: | Defence |
| Place of Birth: | Londi Kribi, Cameroon |
| Date Of Birth: | 19/ 01/ 1977 |
| Height: | 5'9 |
| Weight: | 11st 2lbs |
| This Season | |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 0(1) |
| Goals: | 0 |
| Yellow Cards: | 0 |
| Red Cards: | 0 |
| Minutes on Pitch: | 10 |
More Etame Mayer Lauren news.
Etame Mayer Lauren
Lauren was Arsenal's first big signing of the year 2000 close season with his �7 million transfer from Spanish club Real Mallorca. Perhaps something of an unknown quantity to many at the time, he is a player of proven international class and had played for four different clubs in the Spanish league.
A strong, athletic player, Lauren's best position appeared at first to be on the right hand side of midfield, but in 2002/03 he firmly established himself as Arsenal's first choice right-back starting over 40 games, taking on the difficult role of replacing Lee Dixon.
Part of Cameroon's team in the 1998 World Cup, Lauren played a starring role in the country's victory in the 2000 African Nation's Cup and was rewarded with the accolade of player of the tournament. As with fellow African, Kanu, his international duties have provided another headache for Wenger. Lauren was late returning from the 2002 African Nations Cup, where he had again helped Cameroon to victory, causing a row between Arsenal and the Cameroon FA.
As well as impressing in the Premiership, Lauren helped Cameroon qualify for the World Cup 2002, and was an automatic choice for the squad, despite any ill-feeling remaining between his club and country.
In May 2003 Lauren indicated that he loved being at Highbury and was keen to stay there for another ten years. He had a season of highs and lows in 2003/04, picking up another championship medal despite being hit with a heavy ban for his behaviour in the "Battle of Old Trafford."
The 2004/05 season saw him cement his position in the Arsenal backline. Making the starting line-up 44 times, he scored once, a penalty in Arsenal's sensational 5-4 victory against North London rivals Spurs.
However, controversey hit in October when rumours flew of a fracas between Lauren and team-mate Patrick Viera. The pair, of course, denied such an arguement took place, with the Cameroonian telling the official Arsenal website: "Arsenal is like my family and Patrick is like my brother."
The 2005/06 season proved to be less controversial as Lauren became a dependable squad player for Wenger, making 30 appearances.
However, injuries started to take their toll on him and in 2006/07 he wasn't able to make a single appearance up until January 2007. He therefore left the Emirates Stadium, joining Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.
His first half-season at the club was successful as he made ten appearances and he continued this fine form in 2007/08.