Emmanuel Eboue admits he is “still in love” with Arsenal and cannot wait to return for the Emirates Cup this weekend.

The Ivorian defender spent six years in north London and became a cult hero with supporters for his hard-working displays and irrepressible personality.

The 30-year-old moved to Galatasaray two years ago but admits the Club remains in his heart.

"I’m a Galatasaray player now, but I am still in love with Arsenal and I always watch their games"

“I still speak to several of the guys regularly - Bacary Sagna and Abou Diaby for example - and sometimes Arsène Wenger too,” Eboue told the Official Matchday Programme.

“I always want to hear news from the club because I am a big supporter of them. I’m a Galatasaray player now, but I am still in love with Arsenal and I always watch their games.

“The club only did good things for me, and I never had any trouble from anybody. My only bad day was that game against Wigan, but that was something you must be ready for as football player. I will never, ever forget Arsenal or its supporters and I cannot wait to see them again.

Matchday programme Read the full interview with Eboue in the official matchday programme Subscribe now

“I am so excited [about the Emirates Cup]! I was on holiday when I first found out - one of my friends called me and said: ‘Manu, you know you’re going to play in the Emirates Cup against Arsenal?’

“I couldn’t believe it. I can’t wait to see my old team-mates, the staff and of course the fans. They all did so many good things for me, and it’s going to be a brilliant experience.”