Former Arsenal defender Lauren has praised Leicester City for their unprecedented Premier League title win but claims the Gunners' 49-game unbeaten run in the 2003-04 season was a "bigger" achievement.
The Cameroonian right-back was a mainstay of the Arsenal squad that went a whole season unbeaten 12 years ago and he was previously described by manager Arsene Wenger as "one of the best full-backs in the world" during his spell in north London.
Leicester were confirmed as champions on Monday night after Chelsea came from two goals down to draw with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge, and Lauren has lauded the Foxes for their shock success, though he insists the Gunners' triumph was more historic.
"What Leicester did is something remarkable. At the beginning of the season no-one expected that sort of achievement", Lauren told Goal.
"It’s been based on hard work, togetherness and huge commitment among everyone in that team. It’s something unbelievable for them and it’s good for football – another team breaking through against the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
"Leicester did something unbelievable but to be unbeaten is something extra. Going a whole season without losing a game is something unique. We cannot put the two together. If you ask me, I’d say the unbeaten season is bigger."
Gunners boss Wenger has been heavily criticised by sections of the Arsenal support following a trophyless season and a failed title charge which could end with the club finishing below rivals Tottenham for the first time in almost 20 years.
However, Lauren, who was converted from a right winger into a right back by the Frenchman, insists the blame for the underwhelming campaign can't lie solely with Wenger.
"Wenger has responsibility because he is the manager of the team but we cannot blame everything on him", he said.
"I’m supporting Wenger because I know him very well and I know his contribution to the team, to Arsenal as an institution, because there’s been a strategy and he’s taken players from nothing like Cesc Fabregas and Nicolas Anelka.
"He's taken many players from nothing and made them into big stars. The club has taken much income from his work. If you look at the bigger picture you see that Wenger had done fantastic work for Arsenal and the whole team."...
- Goal