Aubameyang reflects on his departure from Arsenal, marked by tensions with Arteta. Behind the scenes of this tumultuous separation.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyangemblematic figure of Arsenal from 2018 to 2022. The Gabonese international recently revealed the details of his controversial departure from the London club. Under the leadership of Mikel Artetathe striker experienced a series of conflicting episodes which hastened the end of his adventure with the Gunners.
Despite his 92 goals in 163 appearances, Aubameyang saw his role diminish, particularly after several disciplinary incidents. Among them, his exclusion during the March 2021 derby against Tottenham, following a delay, marked a turning point.
A moment of humility in front of the team
Before the clash against Spurs, Arteta called Aubameyang to his hotel room to tell him he would not play. This decision, justified by strict compliance with internal rules, deeply affected the player. “I had tears in my eyes. I wanted to play this match so much,” confided Aubameyang to The Athletic.
-The next day, during a team meeting, the Gabonese publicly apologized to his teammates. Arteta, keen to preserve the unity of the group, also visited Aubameyang at his home to ease tensions. However, according to the player, “nothing was ever the same again after this incident.“
A series of compounded misunderstandings
The disagreement with Arteta was not limited to this single episode. In 2021, while Aubameyang was caring for his ailing mother in Laval, his late return caused further friction. Despite these differences, he retained the captain’s armband until the first half of the following season.
However, an unauthorized attempt to force a transfer by joining Barcelona without approval sealed his fate. Arteta and the club then made the decision to terminate his contract in February 2022.
Aubameyang joined FC Barcelona after his contract was terminated, marking the end of a turbulent period at Arsenal. This departure allowed the player to relaunch in Spain, before briefly returning to the Premier League with Chelsea.
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