Arsenal confirm Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang exit as Joan Laporta plans Barcelona transfer announcement
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 02/02/2022 at 20:35 GMT
Gabonese international striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has left Arsenal by mutual consent, his former club announced on Tuesday evening. Aubameyang has been training with Barcelona already and the Spanish club hope to unveil the player on a 18-month contract along with fellow new signing Adama Traore.
Aubameyang wants to make Barca a force in Champions League
Arsenal have announced the departure of striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as he moves to Barcelona on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old Gabonese striker left the London club by mutual consent on January 31, transfer deadline day, and has agreed an 18-month deal with the Spanish club.
A deal went through after it became clear that Alvaro Morata would not leave Juventus to link up with Barca boss Xavi Hernandez.
On Tuesday night Arsenal released a statement, saying: "We wish Auba all the best for the next chapter in his career and thank him for his contribution to the club."
Aubameyang then took to Instagram to address his exit, admitting it "hurts" to leave in the manner he did.
He said: "To the Arsenal fans, thank you for making London home for myself and my family for the past four years. 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% 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."
Earlier in the day Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he hoped to present Aubameyang alongside fellow new signing Adama Traore.
Laporta said: "We will present Adama Traore tomorrow and, if everything continues well, we will also present Aubameyang."
Traore rejoined Barcelona from Premier League side Wolves on loan, with an option to complete a purchase this summer.
Aubameyang left Arsenal after he was removed as club captain and frozen out of the first team by Mikel Arteta.
Scan me
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement