Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted that he was persuaded to sign a new Arsenal contract because of Mikel Arteta and the club’s fans.
The Gabon striker has just penned a new deal at the Emirates which makes him one of the highest earners in the Premier League.
Before signing his new current, the previous one was running out fast and it seemed like he may leave the club.
He had interest from other teams, most notably, Barcelona and Inter Milan, but he eventually put pen to paper on a new contract at the club for the next three years after watching the team improve under Arteta.
Arteta helped turned last season around for the Gunners as they recovered from a very bad start to their campaign to win the FA Cup.
They followed that up with winning the Community Shield this season and after seeing the team improve under the Spaniard, Aubameyang admitted that he considered leaving but he was convinced to remain at the Emirates and build a legacy.
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.
“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.”
Class!
He’s already a LEGEND. And to think of the other players who could have been legends:
Fabrigas, Toure, Clichy, Nasri, Sagna, Van Persie, Sanchez, Vermaelen..
No, NOT legends because they never had an allegiance or commitment for the love of the club!
👍🙂
😉
@GunneRay
Couldn’t agree with you more. This is what i said from ages. It was up to auba if he wanted a final pay cheque and some more trophies. Barca would never live him they way arsenal do they still have messi.
I think long term players need to think about this kind of thing as well. No one loves a sell sword. But good players can become icons in their own right if they stay with the club that loves them. For example Jamie Vardy will become a leister Legend unlike Kanye and mahrez who have more trophies but their legacy will die in the next 5 years.
Puts a whole new meaning to form is temporary but class is permanent
Thanks, Shortboygooner.
I think Van Persie stands out more than some other for me. I can understand some players going to Spain to play for Barca and Co. But to go to your biggest rivals in the EPL? That’s like a smack in the face to the club and the fans. You just don’t do if you have morals, principles, compassion and commitment. More so you need love. Auba has the lot!! 😃
With RVP it was a tad different imo.
Yes he left for manure, but he won the league that season.
He openly said on BT sport that teh club never offered him a new deal and didnt even speak to him regarding one.
The club never came out and said any different so i have to take what he said as the truth.
Yes it hurt losing him at the time and we could have possibly won the league if stayed that season, but i cant blame him for going.
I’m sure I remember reading somewhere Val that RVP wanted assurances that the club would invest in the squad in certain areas but they could not give the assurances. He left next season.
Spot on. I always saw him as an Arsenal man it was very strange seeing him in Manure jersey for the duration he was there.
I agree with you van Persie leaving was very painful not just because he went to Man Utd, he was our most important player and had he stayed its highly likely we would have gone up instead of down or staying where we were.