PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG admits he was “thinking about” leaving Arsenal this summer.
But the Gunners captain was persuaded to stay by boss Mikel Arteta.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says Mikel Arteta convinced him to stay at Arsenal while he was considering other optionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Aubameyang, 31, became Arsenal’s top earner when he penned a new three-year contract earlier this month.
His decision laid to rest any interest from the likes of Barcelona.
But Aubameyang concedes there was a moment where he considered turning his back on Arsenal for something different.
However, the Gabon international was convinced to stay by boss Arteta, who has already delivered an FA Cup and Community Shield during his short time at the Emirates.
Aubameyang told Sky Sports: “Two things persuaded me to stay. The first thing was Mikel Arteta, because since he came in he brings a lot of positivity and a new philosophy for us.
“I think that was important because it matched my game and I feel that I can improve with him.
“I think this was the key factor and as well, the love that I receive from the fans and the whole club.
“Everyone is treating me very, very good, so I feel at home and that’s why I’m staying.
Arsenal would have been locked in a relegation battle without Aubameyang in 2019-20
“We had a chat during lockdown and we were supposed to talk about a game and he said, ‘okay, forget it, we’re going to talk about the future’ and he asked me what I wanted to do.
“I was like, ‘I feel good since you came, I’m improving and the philosophy is very, very nice so I just want to stay’.
“And he was like, ‘I’m sure if you stay you can leave a legacy, but it’s all about you and what you want.
“’Of course you can leave and go for trophies in big clubs as well but I think you can create a legacy here in this great club’.
“This was the key message to me and after that conversation I was like, ‘okay, it’s all clear for me and I just want to stay’ and that’s it.
“I was thinking about it [leaving], to tell you the truth, because I had good opportunities as well.
“But this feeling to be here – the love from the fans and all the club – I’m not sure that by leaving I will receive the same love, so that’s why I’m staying.
“I’m really proud to be the captain but it’s not the biggest factor to stay. Of course it’s a great job to do, but it was not a part of me staying here.”
Mikel Arteta happy with his players after Arsenal beat Leicester in the Carabao Cup
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
