Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has spoken candidly about the circumstances that led to his departure from Arsenal, describing a fractured relationship with manager Mikel Arteta as a pivotal factor in his exit.
The Gabonese striker, who netted 92 goals in 163 appearances for the Gunners, found his role increasingly diminished following disciplinary issues.
A notable turning point occurred during the lead-up to the North London derby against Tottenham in March 2021, when Aubameyang was excluded from the squad due to a breach of team rules after arriving late.
Speaking to The Athletic, Aubameyang shared the emotional toll of that decision.
I had tears in my eyes. I wanted to play that game so badly,” he revealed.
Despite issuing a public apology, the incident marked a significant shift in his standing within the team.
Nothing was ever the same after that incident,” Aubameyang admitted, reflecting on the fallout that followed.
The relationship between the player and Arteta appeared to deteriorate further, culminating in an attempt by Aubameyang to facilitate an unauthorized transfer to Barcelona.
This move, which bypassed club protocol, ultimately led to the termination of his contract in February 2022.
Aubameyang’s departure from Arsenal was seen by many as the culmination of a series of misunderstandings and irreconcilable differences between the player and the management.
For the striker, it marked the end of a chapter that had begun with so much promise, including his instrumental role in Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph in 2020.
The situation also underscored the challenges of maintaining harmony in a squad while balancing discipline and individual personalities, particularly in a club with high ambitions like Arsenal.
Since leaving the Emirates, Aubameyang has embarked on a new chapter in his career.
However, his time at Arsenal remains a topic of reflection, a mixture of highlights and challenges that shaped his journey in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
His comments offer a rare glimpse into the emotional and professional complexities that can define relationships between players and managers, revealing how small moments can leave a lasting impact on a player’s career trajectory.
