PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG has been ordered to resume his international career… by presidential decree.
The Chelsea striker called time on playing for Gabon last May after winning 72 caps and scoring 30 goals.
However the west African country’s president Ali Bongo Ondimba fears the Panthers’ form has suffered without Aubameyang.
And he summoned the 33-year-old to his palace in capital city Libreville on Monday to command the striker to come out of national retirement.
Auba, accompanied by his father Aubame Yaya, received a stern message from the 64-year-old head of state about the need for him to return to the team.
President Ondimba has previously held talks with Gabon coach Patrice Neveu about recalling the former Arsenal star.
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French-born Aubameyang is Gabon’s all-time top goalscorer, and the country’s only player to be voted African Footballer of the Year.
He announced his national retirement last year amid ongoing rows about unpaid bonuses to players.
The frontman is now in line to return to the Panthers’ squad for their key Africa Cup of Nations double-header against DR Congo next month.
Aubameyang has endured a frustrating season with Chelsea since his £10.3million arrival from Barcelona last September.
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The former Saint-Etienne and Borussia Dortmund ace has scored just once in 15 Premier League appearances.
He previously hit 92 goals in 163 Arsenal games, captaining the Gunners to the 2020 FA Cup.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
