Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang breaks silence on Arsenal exit and row with Mikel Arteta

The former Arsenal captain hit out at Mikel Arteta, saying: “I think the problem was only with him and he made the decision.”
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Former Arsenal striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang took a parting shot at ex-boss Mikel Arteta as he was unveiled as a Barcelona player, following his deadline day departure.

Aubameyang’s form had dropped off after Unai Emery was sacked, and he had failed to score in 40 of his last 54 league appearances.

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in one of his last games for Arsenal. Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesPierre-Emerick Aubameyang in one of his last games for Arsenal. Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in one of his last games for Arsenal. Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The departure of the Gabonese striker is rumoured to save Arsenal around £25 million per year, amid reports Aubameyang took a wage cut to join the Spanish giants.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesArsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

On his last few months as an Arsenal player, Aubameyang said: “They were difficult months but I think that’s how football is sometimes.

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“For my part I have never wanted to do something wrong and now I think that this is the past and I want to think about the present and right now that is my answer”.

As mentioned, it was touch-and-go whether he would get his move, and speaking on the dramatic day, Aubameyang said he was “relieved” when he got the green light.

He explained: “It was a very long day, crazy. We signed two minutes from the end. It was very long, I was with my dad at his house hoping that everything would be fine. In the end they called me in the afternoon to go do the medical check-up and I went very happy. A little stress at the end but all good.”

Upon seeing the world-renowned facilities that the Spanish giants possess, he added: “Everything was fine, when I arrived I felt very good. People received me well and I’m very happy. I’m like in a dream and I don’t want to wake up.”

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Despite his poor form in the Premier League, Aubameyang hopes he score lots of goals and take Barca to the Champions League again, telling the press: “I don’t know if I have a number but I hope to score a lot of goals. Many would be good.”

And finally, when asked why he decided to join Barcelona, he replied: “I’ve always had a dream of playing in LaLiga and it’s an incredible opportunity for me. Since I was little it was a dream and it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. Everyone knows that Barça is one of the best clubs in the world. I’m very happy here “.