Emmanuel Eboue joins Sunderland: Former Arsenal defender returns to the Premier League until end of the season

The former Arsenal defender was a crowd favourite at the Emirates despite his inconsistant performances thanks to his likeable character

Sunderland have announced the signing of defender Emmanuel Eboue (safc.com)

Sunderland have announced the signing of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue on a short-term deal until the end of the season, with the Ivorian available to play in their next match against rivals Newcastle a week on Sunday.

The Black Cats confirmed the news with an announcement on their official club website, with the 32-year-old pictured holding a Sunderland shirt while displaying a beaming smile to demonstrate his happiness at joining the north-east side.

Arsenal fans will be pleased to see Eboue back in the Premier League after he gave eight years of loyal service to the Gunners from 2004 until 2012, when he left England to join Turkish side Galatasaray.

He helped Arsenal reach the 2006 Champions League final, while his time in Turkey proved to be trophy-laden as he helped Galatasaray to three Super Lig title and two Turkish Cups in a four-year stint.

However, while Eboue failed to win any silverware during his time at Arsenal – having been part of the side that also reached the League Cup final in 2006/07 and 2010/11 – it was his likeable character that many fans at the Emirates will remember fondly, as the video below reveals.

However, Sunderland fans will be happy enough if Eboue helps to keep them in the Premier League this season, with Sam Allardyce’s side currently floating one point above the relegation zone in 17th position.

With this weekend’s match against Everton postponed due to the Toffees’ FA Cup commitments, their next game – and Eboue potential debut – will be against Tyne-Wear rivals Newcastle on Sunday 20 March, with Sunderland unbeaten in their last eight meetings with the Magpies.