Former Arsenal star Lauren speaks out after being caught up in Turkey chaos

Lauren (right) during his Arsenal days

Former Arsenal star Lauren has spoken of his fear after being caught in Turkey as the country was the subject of a military coup.

Cameroonian Lauren, one of Arsenal's famous 'Invincibles', was in Antalya for a benefit match organised by compatriot Samuel Eto'o alongside a raft of stars.

The likes of Eden Hazard, Deco, Kolo Toure, Michael Essien and other well-known football names were already on Turkish soil, but Lionel Messi cancelled his trip as news broke ahead of his planned flight on Saturday morning.

Incredibly, even president Recip Erdogan was reportedly set to play in the fixture also.

"If the Coup d'Etat had succeeded then we wouldn't have been able to leave the country," Lauren revealed.

"Now we see it in a different way, but at least 200 people died and when you can't leave you think that you're going to be next."

All the former players who were had arrived in the country to play Saturday's planned charity game have since been evacuated safely.

Former Barcelona and Chelsea forward Eto'o, who is based in Turkey with Antalyaspor, did not immediately flee but is now also abroad.

"Eto'o had to stay for some commitments he had," Lauren said. "But he's now flown elsewhere, somewhere a lot calmer."