Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted he has been left ‘hurt’ and ‘sad’ at the manner of his Arsenal exit in a farewell post to supporters after sealing his free transfer to Barcelona on deadline day.
The striker was frozen out of the first-team by boss Mikel Arteta after his latest brush with ill-discipline, and managed to secure an escape route to Catalonia after jetting out to Spain and agreeing to reduced wages.
The move saw him terminate his contract at the Emirates, a sour end to his career in north London, and Aubameyang has now penned an emotional message to fans on his social media channels.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has posted an emotional farewell message to Arsenal supporters
‘To the Arsenal fans,’ he wrote on Instagram. ‘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.
Aubameyang enjoyed plenty of highs at the club, but endured a difficult exit on deadline day
‘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.’
Aubameyang became one of the top earners in the Premier League after signing a lucrative new deal just 18 months ago, having helped Arsenal secure their FA Cup triumph and then posed with Arteta in the celebrations.
Mikel Arteta (right) dropped the striker and stripped him of the captaincy before his departure
However, their relationship worsened, with his late arrival back from a pre-agreed trip forcing the head coach to drop the frontman entirely.
This stance saw him able to search for a new club, although it took until the final hours of a dramatic final day of the window for him to seal his exit.
He has already trained with Barcelona, although the LaLiga side are bizarrely yet to officially announce his arrival.
Aubameyang has been pictured training with Barcelona despite not being officially unveiled
Aubameyang’s £350,000-a-week terms were due to expire next summer, with the remaining time estimated to be worth around £27million.
Arsenal were willing to let their former captain leave for nothing due to the saving they would make in wages.
Indeed, they anticipate they will save around £20m, it is understood.
