Eric Djemba-Djemba facts for kids
Djemba-Djemba in 2024
|
|||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Eric Daniel Djemba-Djemba | ||
| Date of birth | 4 May 1981 | ||
| Place of birth | Douala, Cameroon | ||
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2001–2003 | Nantes | 42 | (1) |
| 2003–2005 | Manchester United | 20 | (0) |
| 2005–2007 | Aston Villa | 11 | (0) |
| 2007 | → Burnley (loan) | 15 | (0) |
| 2007–2008 | Qatar SC | 26 | (3) |
| 2008–2012 | OB | 102 | (3) |
| 2012–2013 | Hapoel Tel Aviv | 28 | (0) |
| 2013 | Partizan | 16 | (0) |
| 2014 | St Mirren | 2 | (0) |
| 2014–2015 | Chennaiyin | 9 | (0) |
| 2015 | Persebaya Bhayangkara | 0 | (0) |
| 2016 | Châteaubriant | 0 | (0) |
| Total | 271 | (7) | |
| National team | |||
| 2002–2011 | Cameroon | 34 | (0) |
|
|||
Eric Daniel Djemba-Djemba (born May 4, 1981) is a former professional footballer from Cameroon. He played as a midfielder, which is a player who helps both in defense and attack. Eric played for many clubs in different countries, including France, England, Qatar, Denmark, Israel, Serbia, Scotland, India, and Indonesia. He also proudly represented his home country, Cameroon, in 34 international games, even playing in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Club Career
Starting with Nantes
Eric Djemba-Djemba first became well-known while playing for Nantes in France. He formed a strong partnership with another player, Mathieu Berson. Eric was known for being a tough and determined tackler on the field. His great performances for Nantes caught the eye of big clubs.
Playing for Manchester United
In 2003, Eric joined Manchester United in England for about £3.5 million. The famous manager, Alex Ferguson, signed him. Eric was seen as a possible future replacement for the team's captain, Roy Keane.
When he first arrived in England, Eric showed his strong playing style. In his first game against Arsenal, he made a tough tackle.
During his 18 months at Old Trafford, Eric found it hard to play consistently well. He couldn't quite become the player to take over from Roy Keane in the midfield. One exciting moment for him was scoring a goal against Leeds United in the League Cup. The score was 2-2 with only three minutes left in extra time. Eric hit the ball from a corner kick, and it went over the Leeds goalkeeper, securing a 3-2 win. He scored one more goal for Manchester United in a UEFA Champions League match against Panathinaikos.
Moving to Aston Villa
In January 2005, Eric moved to Aston Villa for £1.5 million. However, this move didn't help his career much. He struggled to get a regular spot in the team's midfield. After playing only once as a substitute under the new manager, Martin O'Neill, Eric was loaned out.
Loan Spell at Burnley
In January 2007, Eric was loaned to Burnley, a team in the Championship league. He played his first game for Burnley on January 13, 2007, against Southampton. During his time at Burnley, he was sent off in one game for two yellow cards. However, he also showed off his skillful and effective play.
In July 2007, it became clear that Eric would leave Villa Park. He was the only player not included in the team's tour, and his contract with Aston Villa was ended.
Time in Qatar
After leaving Aston Villa, Eric joined Qatar SC. He played there for one season. This move helped him get his football career back on track.
Joining Odense BK
On July 16, 2008, Eric signed a three-year contract with OB, a Danish team. He had a trial with the club before signing. His first game for Odense was against his old club, Aston Villa, in the Intertoto Cup.
During his time in Odense, Eric impressed the fans with his good ball skills and strong performances. In his first season, many people said he was the best player in the Danish league. In 2009, during a game, Eric even made an assist with his sock! The sole of his right boot had come off, but he kept playing with one boot. Later that year, he was nominated for the SAS Liga player of the year award.
At the end of the 2011–12 season, Eric's contract with OB expired, and he left the club.
In Israel with Hapoel Tel Aviv
On August 14, 2012, Eric signed a two-year contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv, an Israeli club. He played 28 league games for the team based in Tel Aviv.
Playing for Partizan
On July 24, 2013, Eric signed a two-year contract with Partizan, a Serbian team. He made his debut in a Champions League qualifying match on July 31, 2013. However, Eric didn't play much for Partizan in the first half of the season. His contract was ended in December 2013.
Short Stay at St Mirren
On February 5, 2014, Eric signed a short-term deal with St Mirren, a Scottish club. He hoped this move would help him get a spot in the Cameroon squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The manager, Danny Lennon, called Eric the club's biggest signing.
Eric played only three games for St Mirren. He was released by the club at the end of the season and did not make it to the World Cup squad.
Adventure in India
In October 2014, Eric signed a short-term deal with Chennaiyin, a club in the Indian Super League.
Later Career and Retirement
In February 2015, Eric joined Persebaya Bhayangkara, an Indonesian club. However, the league was stopped before he could play a game.
In 2016, Eric joined Châteaubriant, a French club in the fifth division. In September 2021, he announced that he was officially retiring from playing professional football.
International Football
Eric Djemba-Djemba was an important member of the Cameroon national team. He helped his country win the 2002 African Nations Cup. He also played in the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Cameroon finished second.
During the Confederations Cup, Eric was the last person to talk to his teammate Marc-Vivien Foé before Foé sadly collapsed on the field. Eric also played in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. However, he was not chosen for the 2010 FIFA World Cup or the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Personal Life
Eric Djemba-Djemba was born in Douala, Cameroon. He has both Cameroonian and French nationalities. He became a French citizen in October 2001. Eric is a Christian. He has four children.
Achievements
Manchester United
- FA Cup: 2003–04
- FA Community Shield: 2003
Cameroon
- Africa Cup of Nations: 2002
See also
In Spanish: Eric Djemba-Djemba para niños
