Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's blunt response to Arsenal exit with Barcelona move imminent
ARSENAL gave a heartwarming tribute to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with a move to Barcelona closing in.
Posted Wednesday, February 02, 2022 by Express.co.uk
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was released by Arsenal on Monday after a four-year spell at the club was brought to an end in miserable circumstances - and the striker initially gave a blunt response to the club after they wished him farewell on Twitter ahead of his move to Barcelona.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to move to Barcelona
Aubameyang, 32, signed for Arsenal for £60million from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, becoming the club's record signing in the process.
His career in north London was sensational to begin with, scoring 54 league goals in just 85 games as he became one of the world's best strikers.
This resulted in a new £350,0000-per-week contract for the Gabonese international, alongside being appointed as the club's captain.
Yet from here, Aubameyang's career took a downward spiral as he scored just 14 league goals in 43 league games - which was the start of his downfall alongside various disciplinary issues.
And after being stripped of the armband and dropped from the first team, the decision was made to release Aubameyang on a free transfer with a move to Barcelona now imminent. Arsenal confirmed his departure on Tuesday night but Aubameyang's response summed up the nature of his exit.
After Arsenal gave their former star a heartfelt goodbye, the Gabonese captain replied with just a simple heart emoji with a move to Barcelona set to be confirmed soon.
Aubameyang did however post a lengthy message to fans on Instagram later on Friday evening. He 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% focused and committed on 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!"
Arsenal's decision will save them an approximate £25million in wages given Aubameyang had 18 months left on a £17m-per-year contract.
And he will link up alongside stars such as Memphis Depay, Ferran Torres and Adama Traore in attack in a bid to revitalise his career.
Arsenal confirmed the exit of their former captain via mutual agreement with a statement on Friday.
The Gunners currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, having not won in their last two games.
Mikel Arteta's men are two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification, albeit with a game in hand.
They have a chance to put that right in their next fixture against Wolves on February 10.
Photos
More»
Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar
Friday November 22 2024
Your Say