Leaving Arsenal without real goodbye hurts – Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says it “hurts” to leave Arsenal “without a real goodbye” after he left the club by mutual consent ahead of his move to Barcelona on a free transfer.
Former Arsenal Striker, Pierre -Emerick Aubameyang in a message to Arsenal fans stated that he regrets the circumstances that led to his departure from the North London club as he was unable to say proper goodbyes to teammates.
Aubameyang and manager, Mikel Arteta’s relationship declined after a disciplinary breach by the 32-year-old led to him being stripped of his captaincy and excluded from a number of matchday squads further signifying his exit rumours.
Confusion reigned, however, when no agreement was reached as deadline day passed but his release by Arsenal now makes him a free agent.
In a post on Instagram, Aubameyang wrote: “To the Arsenal fans, Thank you for making London home for myself and my family for the past four years.
“We went through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me.
“Having the chance to win trophies and the honour of being the captain of this club is something I will forever keep in my heart.
“I have always been 100 per cent focused and committed to doing everything I can for this club which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts —- but that is football.
“I’m sad I did not get the chance to help my teammates in the last few weeks, but I have nothing but respect for this club and truly wish all my guys and the fans all the best and many successful years in the future!”
The Gabon international returned home early from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to health reasons.
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But he has not played for Arsenal since being disciplined by the club in December.
He had been linked with a loan move this January, with FC Barcelona among a number of European clubs who showed an interest, as well as teams based in the Middle East.
Talks progressed with the LaLiga side on Monday and a deal, releasing him from his 250,000-a-week pounds (337,000 dollars) basic salary at the Emirates Stadium, was agreed upon.
It meant he could join the Catalan giants outside of the transfer window.
It is believed Arsenal held back on announcing Aubameyang’s departure, four years to the day since he signed from Borussia Dortmund, as a gesture of respect to FC Barcelona.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the club hoped to unveil the Gabon captain dis week, along with fellow new signing Adama Traore, who re-joined the club from Wolves.
Laporta said, “We will present Adama Traore tomorrow and, if everything continues well, we will also present Aubameyang.”
(NAN)
