Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sends emotional message to Arsenal fans

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has sent Arsenal fans an emotional goodbye message following his deadline day move to Barcelona.

The Gabon international was stripped of the club’s captaincy back in December following a disciplinary breach and was left out of every matchday squad since. The Catalan giants struck a deal late on Monday night that would allow Aubameyang to leave the north London club on a free transfer, saving them around £25million in wages given he still had almost 18 months remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal confirmed on Tuesday evening that he had left the club after a mutual agreement and the transfer will be confirmed once the Catalan club sorts out some formalities with La Liga.

Now, the veteran centre-forward has taken to social media to thank the Gunners faithful, admitting that he was disappointed with how things ended under Mikel Arteta’s tutelage.

Aubameyang wrote: “To the Arsenal fans, 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.

“I have always been 100 per cent 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!”

The Gabon international returned home early from the Africa Cup of Nations due to health reasons but has not played for Arsenal since being disciplined by the club in December.

It is believed Arsenal held back on announcing Aubameyang’s departure, four years to the day since he signed from Borussia Dortmund, as a gesture of respect to Barcelona, whose president, Joan Laporta, said on Tuesday the official unveiling may come later in the week.

However, pictures which appeared to show Aubameyang in the back of shot training at Barcelona subsequently emerged.