Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, during an exclusive interview, has disclosed the reasons for his departure from Arsenal and the strained relationship with manager Mikel Arteta. The former Arsenal captain shed light on the events leading to his exit and the fallout with Arteta that ultimately compelled him to leave the club.
Aubameyang’s transfer to Arsenal in January 2018, under then-manager Arsene Wenger, was met with great expectations, and the Gabonese striker delivered, becoming a key figure for the Gunners. However, his relationship with Arteta soured after the team’s FA Cup triumph in 2020, and his form declined shortly after.
The turning point occurred when Aubameyang was delayed for a north London derby due to traffic and subsequently had to take time off to attend to his ailing mother. Upon his return from France later than anticipated, Arteta expressed his frustration, leading to a confrontation between the two.
The situation escalated when Aubameyang was stripped of the captaincy and required to train separately from the rest of the squad. The strained relationship reached its breaking point when the forward took a trip to Barcelona, attempting to force a transfer without the club’s consent.
During this tumultuous period, Aubameyang admitted to turning to alcohol as a means of coping with the depression brought on by the challenges in his career. He emphasized the importance of discussing mental health and breaking the stigma surrounding it.
Ultimately, Aubameyang’s controversial departure from Arsenal led to a move to Barcelona, where he enjoyed a successful spell before returning to London with Chelsea. Meanwhile, Arteta’s Arsenal went on to achieve notable success in subsequent seasons.
The revelation of Aubameyang’s side of the story provides insight into the complexities of player-manager relationships and the challenges faced by athletes both on and off the pitch. It serves as a reminder of the human elements behind the glamour of professional sports and the impact of mental health on individuals, even in elite settings.
As the dust settles on this chapter of Aubameyang’s career, it is apparent that the player and the club have moved on from their turbulent past, with both parties finding success in their respective paths.