Lauren Joins Sol Campbell at Pompey
Days after making it known that Lauren’s future at Arsenal was up in the air, Arsène Wenger has dealt the Cameroon international to Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.
The right back joined the Gunners in 2000 from Spanish Side Real Mallorca and played a key part in Arsenal’s 2002 double campaign. However, a knee injury has sidelined him for the past year. His last appearance as a Gunner was against Wigan on January 21st, 2006. Since then, Wenger has developed a new crop of right backs and has been getting strong performances from the likes of Emmanual Eboue, Johan Djourou and Justin Hoyte.
From Wenger:
“Lauren’s contribution to Arsenal since he joined the Club in 2000 has been absolutely outstanding. He has been a central figure in the Club winning the Premiership twice and the FA Cup three times and his high level of performances have made sure that he will always have a place in Arsenal history. On behalf of the players and staff we wish Lauren the best of luck at Portsmouth.”
From Lauren:
“I have made many great friends and have many wonderful memories from the years I have spent at Arsenal. I have enjoyed great success with the Club and I am very grateful to Arsène Wenger, my team mates and all the fantastic Arsenal fans for their support. The fans have been brilliant. Of course I am sad to be leaving Arsenal, but am I am very much looking forward to a new challenge at Portsmouth.”
Refreshing to hear a transfer go through with both parties maintaining some mutual respect for each other, unlike another recent transfer that you may have heard about.
