Gilles Sunu
Encyclopedia
Gilles Sunu is a French
professional footballer who plays in France
for Lorient
as a striker. Sunu is a French youth international and currently plays on the under-21 team
.
, Indre
, Sunu began his career at the LB Châteauroux
academy, but moved to Arsenal
in July 2007 on a four-year contract for a fee between £700,000 and £1 million.
, making 9 appearances and scoring four goals. He made his first team debut for the club when he started a League Cup
match against West Bromwich Albion
on 22 September 2009, playing 58 minutes before being substituted for Carlos Vela
. On 9 December 2009 Sunu made his Champions League debut in Arsenal's 1–0 away defeat to Olympiakos, coming on for Jack Wilshere on 76 minutes.
On February 18, 2010, Sunu signed for Derby County
on loan until the end of the 2009/10 season Gilles made his debut for The Rams as a first half substitute in a 1–0 defeat to Swansea City
, coming on for the injured Kris Commons
before being later substituted on the 85 minute. Sunu scored his first goal in a 4–1 defeat away to Reading
on 10 March 2010. After Stephen Pearson
and Rob Hulse
worked a smart one-two on the left side of the area and when Pearson was halted by a challenge, Sunu poked the loose ball past Adam Federici
from the edge of the area. In total, Sunu made nine appearances for Derby before returning to Arsenal slightly earlier than intended after picking up an injury in Derby's penultimate game of the season away to Bristol City
.
in July, Gilles suffered a cartilage injury in his right knee that would keep him out of action for two months. Sunu made his comeback for Arsenal Reserves
against Blackpool at the end of September and went onto make 8 appearances and score twice.
On January 31, 2011, Gilles Sunu opted to join FC Lorient
on loan for the remainder of the 2010-11 campaign. He made his debut for Les Merlus as a second half substitute in the 0-2 victory over SM Caen
. Gilles got his first assist in the 2-3 away victory to RC Lens
. After rounding Lens goalkeeper Vedran Runje
, Sunu flicked the ball back from the byline for Kevin Gameiro
to head in from 5 yards to make the score 2-2. Gilles completed his loan at Lorient, making 9 appearances all from the substitutes bench. Sky Sports reported that Lorient manager Christian Gourcuff
is keen to re-sign Sunu as well as his Arsenal team mate Francis Coquelin
on an additional years loan, with Sunu hinting that he would welcome a return to the seaport town.
on 31 August 2011 just three days after being an unused sub in Arsenal's 8-2 defeat to Manchester United. Sunu made his full debut for Lorient in the 1-1 away draw against FC Sochaux
, coming on as a 62nd minute substitute for Arnold Mvuemba
. On 6 November 2011, Sunu scored his first goal for Lorient and made an assist in the 2-0 home win against AC Ajaccio
. Sunu went past his man and cut the ball back for Yann Jouffre
to score from outside the box. Before Jouffre turned provider and played Sunu in on goal with only the keeper to beat.
having earned caps for the under-17s
, under-18s
, under-19s
, under-20s
and under-21s
. Sunu served as captain throughout the 2008–09 season for the under-19s
. During the final of the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
,
Sunu equalised against Spain to put France on course for a 2-1 victory.
Sunu was named in France under-20
's final 21-man squad that competed at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup
. Sunu started all seven of France's world cup games, scoring 2 goals in total. As France finished fourth in Colombia.
Manu Sunu
.
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
professional footballer who plays in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
for Lorient
FC Lorient
Football Club Lorient-Bretagne Sud is a French association football club based in Lorient. The club was founded in 1926 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Lorient plays its home matches at the Stade du Moustoir located within the city. The team is managed by Christian...
as a striker. Sunu is a French youth international and currently plays on the under-21 team
France national under-21 football team
The France national under-21 football team , known in France as Les Espoirs , is the national under-21 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years...
.
Career
Born in ChâteaurouxChâteauroux
Châteauroux is the capital of the Indre department in central France and the second-largest town in the province of Berry, after Bourges. Its residents are called Castelroussines or Castelroussins....
, Indre
Indre
Indre is a department in the center of France named after the river Indre. The inhabitants of the department are called Indriens.-History:Indre is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790...
, Sunu began his career at the LB Châteauroux
LB Châteauroux
La Berrichonne de Châteauroux is a French association football club based in Châteauroux. The football team is a part of a sports club that consists of several other sports and was founded in 1883. The team currently plays in Ligue 2, the second division of French football, having finished 16th in...
academy, but moved to Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
in July 2007 on a four-year contract for a fee between £700,000 and £1 million.
2009–10 season
Gilles had an impressive first half of the season with Arsenal ReservesArsenal F.C. Reserves
Arsenal Reserves are the reserve team of Arsenal Football Club.They have been members of the FA Premier Reserve League Southern Division since its foundation in 1999. They play their home games at Underhill Stadium, which is also the home of Barnet FC. The team mainly consists of Under-21 players...
, making 9 appearances and scoring four goals. He made his first team debut for the club when he started a League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
match against West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
on 22 September 2009, playing 58 minutes before being substituted for Carlos Vela
Carlos Vela
Carlos Alberto Vela Garrido is a Mexican association football player, currently playing as a striker for La Liga club Real Sociedad on loan from Arsenal. He also plays for the Mexico national football team. He started his career at Mexican club C.D...
. On 9 December 2009 Sunu made his Champions League debut in Arsenal's 1–0 away defeat to Olympiakos, coming on for Jack Wilshere on 76 minutes.
Loan to Derby County
On February 18, 2010, Sunu signed for Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
on loan until the end of the 2009/10 season Gilles made his debut for The Rams as a first half substitute in a 1–0 defeat to Swansea City
Swansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
, coming on for the injured Kris Commons
Kris Commons
Kris Commons is an English-born Scottish footballer who currently plays as a left winger for Scottish Premier League club Celtic and the Scotland national team...
before being later substituted on the 85 minute. Sunu scored his first goal in a 4–1 defeat away to Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
on 10 March 2010. After Stephen Pearson
Stephen Pearson
Stephen Paul Pearson is a Scottish footballer who plays for Bristol City, on loan from Derby County in the English Championship. He is a full international for Scotland, and also played for Motherwell, Celtic and Stoke City.-Early career:Pearson was born in Lanark...
and Rob Hulse
Rob Hulse
Robert William "Rob" Hulse is an English footballer who plays for Queens Park Rangers as a striker.He had primarily spent his career at second tier level, playing there with Crewe Alexandra. West Bromwich Albion, Leeds United, Sheffield United and Derby County...
worked a smart one-two on the left side of the area and when Pearson was halted by a challenge, Sunu poked the loose ball past Adam Federici
Adam Federici
Adam Jay Federici is an Australian football player who plays as a goalkeeper for Football League Championship club Reading and has featured for the Australian national team.-Club career:...
from the edge of the area. In total, Sunu made nine appearances for Derby before returning to Arsenal slightly earlier than intended after picking up an injury in Derby's penultimate game of the season away to Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
.
2010–11 season
After scoring in the final of the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Daniel Pacheco3 goals Zvonko Pamić Cédric Bakambu Alexandre Lacazette...
in July, Gilles suffered a cartilage injury in his right knee that would keep him out of action for two months. Sunu made his comeback for Arsenal Reserves
Arsenal F.C. Reserves
Arsenal Reserves are the reserve team of Arsenal Football Club.They have been members of the FA Premier Reserve League Southern Division since its foundation in 1999. They play their home games at Underhill Stadium, which is also the home of Barnet FC. The team mainly consists of Under-21 players...
against Blackpool at the end of September and went onto make 8 appearances and score twice.
Loan to FC Lorient
On January 31, 2011, Gilles Sunu opted to join FC Lorient
FC Lorient
Football Club Lorient-Bretagne Sud is a French association football club based in Lorient. The club was founded in 1926 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Lorient plays its home matches at the Stade du Moustoir located within the city. The team is managed by Christian...
on loan for the remainder of the 2010-11 campaign. He made his debut for Les Merlus as a second half substitute in the 0-2 victory over SM Caen
SM Caen
Stade Malherbe Caen is a professional French football team, playing in the city of Caen, Normandy. The club was founded on 17 November 1913 following the merger of Club Malherbe Caennais and Club Sportif Caennais...
. Gilles got his first assist in the 2-3 away victory to RC Lens
RC Lens
Racing Club de Lens is a French association football club based in the northern city of Lens in the Pas-de-Calais department. Its nickname, sang et or , comes from its traditional colours of red and gold. Their primary rivals are their northern neighbors Lille OSC, whom they contest the Derby du...
. After rounding Lens goalkeeper Vedran Runje
Vedran Runje
Vedran Runje is a Croatian football goalkeeper who is currently a free agent after his contract with RC Lens expired in 2011.-Club career:...
, Sunu flicked the ball back from the byline for Kevin Gameiro
Kevin Gameiro
Kévin Gameiro is a French international footballer who plays for French club Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. He plays as a striker whose influence can extend out on the wings and in the hole...
to head in from 5 yards to make the score 2-2. Gilles completed his loan at Lorient, making 9 appearances all from the substitutes bench. Sky Sports reported that Lorient manager Christian Gourcuff
Christian Gourcuff
Christian Gourcuff in Hanvec, Brittany is a French football manager and former player. He currently manages French Ligue 1 side Lorient....
is keen to re-sign Sunu as well as his Arsenal team mate Francis Coquelin
Francis Coquelin
Francis Coquelin is a French football player who currently plays for English club Arsenal. He plays as a defensive midfielder, but can also be utilized at right midfield or at right back...
on an additional years loan, with Sunu hinting that he would welcome a return to the seaport town.
FC Lorient
Gilles Sunu signed a 4 year contract with LorientFC Lorient
Football Club Lorient-Bretagne Sud is a French association football club based in Lorient. The club was founded in 1926 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Lorient plays its home matches at the Stade du Moustoir located within the city. The team is managed by Christian...
on 31 August 2011 just three days after being an unused sub in Arsenal's 8-2 defeat to Manchester United. Sunu made his full debut for Lorient in the 1-1 away draw against FC Sochaux
FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard is a French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Sochaux plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Bonal located within the city...
, coming on as a 62nd minute substitute for Arnold Mvuemba
Arnold Mvuemba
Arnold Makengo Mvuemba is a French footballer who plays for FC Lorient as a midfielder.-Career:Born in Alençon, Orne, Mvuemba was signed by Premier League team Portsmouth on loan from Stade Rennais in January 2007 until May 2007, with an option to complete a permanent deal...
. On 6 November 2011, Sunu scored his first goal for Lorient and made an assist in the 2-0 home win against AC Ajaccio
AC Ajaccio
Athletic Club Ajaccio is a French association football club based in the city of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. The club was founded in 1910 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, having finished 2nd in the 2010–11 campaign in Ligue 2. The club president is Alain...
. Sunu went past his man and cut the ball back for Yann Jouffre
Yann Jouffre
Yann Jouffre is a French footballer currently playing for FC Lorient.-External links:** at L'Equipe.fr...
to score from outside the box. Before Jouffre turned provider and played Sunu in on goal with only the keeper to beat.
International career
Sunu is a French youth internationalFrance national youth football team
The France national youth football team are the national under-20, under-19, under-18, under-17 and under-16 football teams of France and are controlled by the Fédération Française de Football. The youth teams of France participate in tournaments sanctioned by both FIFA and UEFA and also...
having earned caps for the under-17s
France national under-17 football team
The France national under-17 football team is the national under-17 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the annual UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship and the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which is held every four years...
, under-18s
France national under-18 football team
The France national under-18 football team is the national under-18 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team serves as a feeder team to the under-19 team as its matches aren't competitive...
, under-19s
France national under-19 football team
The France national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the annual UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship. They were the 2010 champions of the competition having won on home soil...
, under-20s
France national under-20 football team
The France national under-20 football team is the national under-20 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is held every two years and the Toulon Tournament, which is held every May when football league...
and under-21s
France national under-21 football team
The France national under-21 football team , known in France as Les Espoirs , is the national under-21 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years...
. Sunu served as captain throughout the 2008–09 season for the under-19s
France national under-19 football team
The France national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the annual UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship. They were the 2010 champions of the competition having won on home soil...
. During the final of the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Daniel Pacheco3 goals Zvonko Pamić Cédric Bakambu Alexandre Lacazette...
,
Sunu equalised against Spain to put France on course for a 2-1 victory.
Sunu was named in France under-20
France national under-20 football team
The France national under-20 football team is the national under-20 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is held every two years and the Toulon Tournament, which is held every May when football league...
's final 21-man squad that competed at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup
2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the eighteenth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup since its inception in 1977 as the FIFA World Youth Championship. Colombia hosted the tournament between 29 July and 20 August 2011, with matches being played in eight cities...
. Sunu started all seven of France's world cup games, scoring 2 goals in total. As France finished fourth in Colombia.
Personal life
He is the son of former Togolese internationalTogo national football team
The Togo national football team, nicknamed Les Eperviers The Togo national football team, nicknamed Les Eperviers The Togo national football team, nicknamed Les Eperviers (The Sparrow Hawks, is controlled by the Fédération Togolaise de Football.They played at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Their team bus...
Manu Sunu
Manu Sunu
Emmanuel "Manu" Sunu Songo'o , is a former Togolese professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder for ASKO Kara and Gomido and internationally for Togo.-Career:...
.
Career statistics
Statistics accurate as of 28 November 2011| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Europe | Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | ||
| Arsenal Arsenal F.C. Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups... |
2009–10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Derby County Derby County F.C. Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English... (loan) |
2009–10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| FC Lorient FC Lorient Football Club Lorient-Bretagne Sud is a French association football club based in Lorient. The club was founded in 1926 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Lorient plays its home matches at the Stade du Moustoir located within the city. The team is managed by Christian... (loan) |
2010–11 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 1 |
| FC Lorient FC Lorient Football Club Lorient-Bretagne Sud is a French association football club based in Lorient. The club was founded in 1926 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Lorient plays its home matches at the Stade du Moustoir located within the city. The team is managed by Christian... |
2011–12 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 1 |
| Career total | 29 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 2 | 2 | |
Club
ArsenalArsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
- Premier Academy LeaguePremier Academy LeagueThe Premier Academy League is the top level of youth football in England. It is contested between the Academy sides of The Premier League and some Football League clubs, including Welsh side Cardiff City...
: 2008–09 - FA Youth CupFA Youth CupThe Football Association Youth Challenge Cup is an English football competition run by The Football Association for under–18 sides. Only those players between the age of 15 and 18 on 31 August of the current season are eligible to take part...
: 2008–09
International
FranceFrance national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
- UEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipUEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipThe European Under 19 Football Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. The competition has been held since 1948. It was originally called the FIFA junior tournament, until it was taken over by UEFA in 1955...
: 20102010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Daniel Pacheco3 goals Zvonko Pamić Cédric Bakambu Alexandre Lacazette... - 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup2011 FIFA U-20 World CupThe 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the eighteenth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup since its inception in 1977 as the FIFA World Youth Championship. Colombia hosted the tournament between 29 July and 20 August 2011, with matches being played in eight cities...
: Fourth Place