Former Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has, on Saturday, confirmed his disappointment with the Gunners’ failure to secure a Champions League berth for next season.
Gabonese international Aubameyang, of course, secured a departure from the Emirates during the January transfer window.
After being deemed surplus to requirements by boss Mikel Arteta owing to a disciplinary breach, the experienced attacker made the move to Spain, snapped up by La Liga heavyweights Barcelona on a free transfer.
Evidently, though, despite the less-than-deal nature of his eventual departure, Auba maintains a place in his heart for his former club.
Speaking to Sky Sports whilst in attendance at the qualifying session for this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, the 32-year-old was drawn on the efforts of Mikel Arteta’s squad to secure a pivotal spot in the Premier League’s top-4 this past season.
The Gunners, of course, looked firmly on track for a return to European football’s grandest stage, only to fall to defeats in two of their last three outings, opening the door for arch rivals Tottenham to leapfrog them into 4th.
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 20: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring their fifth goal with a glass ball during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 20, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
And Aubameyang has revealed that he was left ‘a bit sad’ by the ultimately fruitless efforts of his ex-teammates to seal a Champions League return, albeit with the Gabonese maintaining hope that Arsenal will nevertheless go on to seal glory on the Europa League stage:
‘Arsenal have made a lot of improvements,’ Aubameyang began. ‘I’m a bit sad because I wanted them to be in the Champions League. I have a lot of friends over there & I’m wishing them the best for next season. Hopefully they can win the Europa League.’
🗣️ “I’m a bit sad because I wanted to play them in the #UCL”
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been speaking about his former club #AFC ahead of the #MonacoGP tomorrow 👀🏎️pic.twitter.com/JB3xmDPDPV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 28, 2022
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