Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says ‘leaving without a real goodbye hurts’ after sending a message to the Arsenal fans following his release.
Arsenal confirmed the departure of the former club captain by mutual consent on Tuesday, ahead of the forward’s free transfer move to Barcelona.
The 32-year-old had not featured for the Gunners since being stripped of the captaincy in December, following a disciplinary breach at the Emirates.
Having decided the Gabon international has no future at the club, the North Londoners have reached an agreement to terminate his contract and pave the way for a free transfer move to the Camp Nou.
Aubameyang has now posted a farewell to Arsenal and the club’s fans on social media and admitted the nature of his exit hurts.
“To the Arsenal fans, thank you for making London home for myself and my family for the past four years,” he wrote.
“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 per cent 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.”
Aubameyang scored 92 goals in 163 appearances for Arsenal following his £56m arrival from Borussia Dortmund and captained the side to FA Cup success in 2020, scoring twice in the final win over Chelsea at Wembley.
