Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, in a revealing interview with The Athletic, opened up about his tumultuous Arsenal exit, claiming manager Mikel Arteta “killed” him instead of offering support during a challenging period.
Aubameyang admitted to a “mistake” in returning late from a trip to see his ill mother in France, which triggered a disciplinary breach. However, he expressed deep disappointment with Arteta’s reaction, stating, “I was expecting help from him, not killing me like this.” He felt Arteta, aware of his mother’s health situation, should have shown more empathy.
The Gabonese striker detailed the breakdown of their relationship, revealing Arteta accused him of “giving him a knife in his back.” This accusation, Aubameyang maintains, was unfounded and hurtful. He also recounted an earlier incident where he was late for a North London derby due to a traffic accident, which further strained his relationship with the manager.
Despite acknowledging his fault in the late return, Aubameyang remained adamant he wouldn’t apologize for prioritizing his mother’s wellbeing. He felt the punishment was disproportionate and that Arteta could have handled the situation with more compassion.
The former Arsenal captain also revealed that he had considered leaving the club in 2020 but was persuaded to stay by Arteta and the fans.
However, personal struggles, including his mother’s stroke and his own battle with malaria, coupled with a feeling of disconnect, led to a gradual decline in his motivation.
He confessed, “I felt it progressively. Slowly, slowly, I was kind of giving up.”
Despite the acrimonious ending, Aubameyang expressed his enduring love for Arsenal and its supporters. He has since moved on from the negativity and would welcome a conversation with Arteta.
Reflecting on his Arsenal departure, he offered a poignant reminder: “Maybe people don’t realise, because they think football is the most important thing. (But) that is not true.”
Seeking Safety and New Beginnings in Saudi Arabia
Aubameyang’s decision to join Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia was driven by a need for both personal and professional security. The traumatic home invasion in Barcelona left deep scars on his family, and he sought a haven where they could feel safe.
“People think it is a closed country with hard restrictions,” he shared, acknowledging the Western perception of Saudi Arabia. “That’s the opinion over there, but when you come here, it’s totally different. The mentality is very open-minded.”
Beyond safety, Aubameyang saw a genuine opportunity in the burgeoning Saudi Pro League. While acknowledging the league’s need for development, he emphasized the ambition and potential for growth. He urged people to experience the league firsthand before making judgments, highlighting the competitive environment and the influx of top-tier talent.
“I’m really into football and, while I’m a player, I will be thinking just about football — that’s it,” he stated, addressing criticisms of the country’s human rights record. He maintained his focus on the sport, leaving broader societal considerations for after his playing career.
At Al-Qadsiah, Aubameyang found a club with ambitious plans, backed by significant investment and a vision for the future. He embraced the challenge of contributing to their growth, both on and off the pitch. His move to Saudi Arabia represents a new chapter, one where he seeks stability, security, and a chance to continue his football journey on his own terms.
Source: The Athletic
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