Former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding his exit from the club, countering claims made by manager Mikel Arteta. The Gabonese forward, who now plays for Marseille, spoke candidly about his departure during an interview with Colinterview, shedding light on a strained relationship with the Spanish coach.
Aubameyang’s tenure at Arsenal saw highs and lows, including his instrumental role in securing the FA Cup under Arteta’s leadership.
Despite this success, the relationship between player and manager deteriorated, culminating in Aubameyang leaving the club.
Reflecting on his time at Arsenal, Aubameyang revealed a particularly tense moment when Arteta accused him of betrayal.
“Arteta accused me of ‘putting a knife in his back’ at one stage,” Aubameyang disclosed, illustrating the deep rift that had developed between them.
The former Arsenal captain elaborated on a specific incident during the COVID-19 pandemic, recounting a conversation with Arteta prior to a match against Everton.
“It was during the COVID period and we were playing, I think, Everton,” Aubameyang recalled.
“My season wasn’t great, we were struggling in the league and the day before the coach told us: ‘Look, it doesn’t matter if we win or not, you have a day off.
But if you want to leave, you notify yourself before the match because you have to follow the health safety rules.'”
Aubameyang then shared a personal plea he made to Arteta, seeking permission to visit his ailing mother.
“My mother a few months before had a stroke, it was going to be Christmas time so I went to see the coach and I said to him: ‘Coach, I’m coming to see you because I’d like to leave, I’m going to go pick up my mother to bring her back for the holidays’. He tells me no problem.”
This personal account paints a picture of a player attempting to balance professional commitments with personal responsibilities, only to face accusations that strained his relationship with the manager.
Aubameyang’s departure from Arsenal was marked by controversy, with the striker feeling misunderstood and misrepresented by Arteta.
As Aubameyang continues his career with Marseille, his reflections on his Arsenal exit highlight the complexities and challenges professional athletes face, both on and off the field.
The revelations also underscore the often unseen personal struggles that can impact player-coach relationships, leading to unforeseen departures and shifts in a player’s career trajectory.
The fallout from Aubameyang’s comments may prompt further scrutiny of Arteta’s management style and the dynamics within the Arsenal squad during that turbulent period.
For now, Aubameyang remains focused on his new chapter in France, leaving behind a tumultuous but memorable chapter in North London.
