Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hits back at Toni Kroos for mask celebration criticism

Arsenal v Rennes – UEFA Europa League – Round of 16 – Second Leg – Emirates Stadium
(Image credit: Nick Potts)

Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has hit back at Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos for criticising his choice of celebration.

The Germany international recently insisted Aubameyang was not a good role model because he donned a mask – inspired by the film Black Panther – after he scored against Rennes in the Europa League back in March 2019.

Aubameyang has previous in this department and pulled out a number of different masks to celebrate goals during his time at Borussia Dortmund.

Kroos, speaking on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast via Sport Bild, made the comment: “Aubameyang once celebrated and took out a mask. That’s where it ends with me.

“I don’t think that’s a good role model either. What nonsense.”

While initially reluctant to respond to Kroos, Aubameyang then took aim at the World Cup winner by questioning whether the 30-year-old had children.

The Arsenal captain quoted a picture of himself on Twitter, drawn by a school pupil asked to create an image based on happiness, in his reply to the midfielder.

Aubameyang said: “By the way. Does this @ToniKroos have Kids? Just to remember i did it for my son few Times and i will do it again.

“I wish you have Kids one day and make them happy like this Junior School pupils. Talk and don’t Forget #maskon #staysafe.”