[5] Lauren was born in Kribi, Cameroon, as his parents fled Equatorial Guinea due to the political persecution during the dictatorship of Francisco Macías Nguema.

Although at first Lauren was unable to gain a regular place in the Arsenal side, he eventually ended up becoming the club's first-choice right-back, replacing Lee Dixon and leapfrogging Oleh Luzhnyi in the process.

Lauren missed part of the season as he went off to play in the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations, but returned to feature for Arsenal from February onwards.

His season was, however, slightly marred by his verbal abuse towards Ruud van Nistelrooy after the latter had missed a penalty late on in a draw between Arsenal and Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, Lauren found first team opportunities due to his versatility and filled in at left-back on many occasions and played regularly on the right of midfield during January 2008 while John Utaka was away at the African Cup of Nations.

[18] In June 2009, his contract ended and he was released from the club having made just one appearance all season, as a substitute in the 2008 FA Community Shield.

[23] Lauren made his international debut for Cameroon in 1998 and went on to earn a total of 25 caps, which yielded two goals, whilst he won Olympic Gold at the 2000 Games in Sydney and also lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002.

[24] Following the success he enjoyed at Arsenal, the north London outfit regard Lauren, who was a mainstay of the Invincibles side, as a club legend.

Lauren considers this position to be a real honour as he sees it as a means of helping the African people, whilst repaying some of the support he received during his playing days.

Lauren's role as an Arsenal ambassador has also seen him travel to other global destinations, including Singapore, where he was again involved in football clinics and represented the club at various events.

Within his role, he will be tasked with enhancing the competitive standards of African football on the international stage and is able to call on the vast experience acquired during a playing career that saw him earn legendary status with Arsenal and the Cameroon national team.

Meanwhile, he has also worked as a studio pundit for GOL TV's coverage of major Arsenal matches, such as the 2018/19 Europa League final against Chelsea.