February 02, (THEWILL) – Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has put out a statement, after leaving the club to join Barcelona on a free transfer.
As THEWILL reported, on January 31, the 32-year-old Gabonese striker departed the London club by mutual consent and has signed an 18-month contract with the Spanish team. And, after it became evident that Alvaro Morata would not leave Juventus to join Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona, a deal was struck.
Prior to Aubameyang’s voicing out his feelings about the move, Arsenal issued a statement late Tuesday night, part of which read: “We wish Auba all the best for the next chapter in his career and thank him for his contribution to the club.”
Aubameyang subsequently addressed his departure on Instagram, stating that it “hurts” him to leave the way he did. 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! Love, Auba.”
Barcelona president Joan Laporta indicated earlier in the day that he wanted to present Aubameyang alongside fellow new player Adama Traore.
“We will present Adama Traore tomorrow and, if everything continues well, we will also present Aubameyang.” Laporta stated.
Traore returned to Barcelona on loan from Wolves in the Premier League, with the option of completing a permanent transfer this summer, as THEWILL reported.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
