Mikel Arteta expressed his admiration for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, despite taking him out of the squad before he left.
A little about the topic
The Arsenal manager says former Gunners striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang deserves a warm welcome from the club’s supporters if he eventually moves to the Blues. The Gabonese international has become an option for Chelsea as they look to step up in attack just half a year after he left Arsenal to join Barca. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang spent four years with the Gunners and was appointed club captain, but was soon stripped of his armband and thrown off the team by Arteta before being released and moved to the Camp Nou in February.
What did Mikel say about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?
Pierre-Emerick has been linked with a return to London this summer as the Blues have identified him as a possible signing before the transfer window closes. Chelsea are looking to bring in another striker and manager Thomas Tuchel said recently that he and the former Borussia Dortmund star have a close bond.
The Arsenal manager was asked at a press conference about the Blues’ chances of signing their former charge, to which he replied that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is an exceptional player. Aubameyang has done so much for them. The player was their captain and Mikel thinks they should be grateful, very grateful also for what he has done for this club.
The Spanish manager added that he hopes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will receive a good reception from Arsenal the Emirates Stadium fans because he thinks he deserves it. According to Mikel Arteta, there are moments in life, there are moments in their career, and sometimes the trajectory or goal of each person is different from the club – and they should respect that.
Footage of Mikel announcing to the team that Pierre-Emerick was no longer club captain appeared in an Amazon Prime documentary about the team’s season. In the documentary, Mikel admits that the Gaboon player was fired due to disciplinary reasons, saying that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was late, beyond all questions, many times. The Boss of the Gunners then says in an interview that when he looked into his eyes and saw and felt what he felt, the level of trust was gone.
The manager was asked about the incident that appeared in the documentary and defended his decision.
Mikel said listen, this hasn’t happened in a long time. Arteta cannot return every time there is a streak. According to the coach, he made his comments on this matter. Arteta was very clear and honest with his opinion. The Spaniard says that what has been done has always been to defend the club and put them in the best possible position and be as clear, honest and consistent as they can at all times.