Skip to main content

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang explains critical comments about Mikel Arteta

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mikel Arteta
(Image credit: Getty)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s strained relationship with former manager Mikel Arteta has come under public scrutiny again after a video from his spell at Barcelona surfaced online.

The striker, who has since moved to Chelsea, can be seen questioning Arteta’s ability to deal with experienced and high-profile players.

“Big characters or big players – he can’t deal with it. He needs some young players. They don’t say anything. They listen,” says Aubameyang.

Aubameyang’s first two full seasons at the Emirates showcased his best form, with 60 goals in 95 games across all competitions, ending with a match-winning brace in the FA Cup final.

As captain and a major presence in the dressing room, Aubameyang was expected to set an example for Arsenal’s young players but was twice dropped from the squad due to disciplinary reasons.

He tweeted: “Aware there is a video out that was recorded just after I arrived at Barca. At the time I still had a lot of bad feelings in me - Arsenal are doing great things this season and I wish all my old guys well.”

The two clubs are set to meet at Stamford Bridge early next month and a frosty reception could await the Gunners’ former star man.

Sean Cole
Writer

Sean Cole is a freelance journalist. He has written for FourFourTwo, BBC Sport and When Saturday Comes among others. A Birmingham City supporter and staunch Nikola Zigic advocate, he once scored a hat-trick at St. Andrew’s (in a half-time game). He also has far too many football shirts and spends far too much time reading the Wikipedia pages of obscure players.