Aubameyang: “The key to staying has been Arteta”

Aubameyang renewed last week with Arsenal until 2023 after a summer full of rumors, in which it was rumored with his departure and in which there were even offers from Barcelona and Inter Milan. The 31-year-old forward, who is experiencing his prime as a footballer after helping his team win the FA Cup and Community Shield, has spoken to Sky Sports about the reasons for his decision and has given a code name: Mikel Arteta.

The Spanish coach recently said that the forward had decided to expand his relationship because they have “an incredible team”, but the Gabonese has gone further, stating that your coach has been a deciding factor. “Two things have persuaded me to stay,” he said, “the first is Arteta, because since he arrived he brought us a lot of positivity and a new philosophy”.

“I think it was important because it coincided with my game and I feel like I can improve with it. I think that was a key factor, and also the love I receive from the fans and from the entire club, ”said the forward. “Everyone treats me very, very well, I feel at home and that's why I stay,” he assured.

“I had a talk with him during lockdown and we were supposed to talk about a match, but he told me‘okay, forget about it, let's talk about the future 'and he asked me what I wanted to do”Aubameyang has revealed. “I was like 'I feel good since you arrived, I have improved and the philosophy is very good, so I want to stay' and he said 'I am sure that if you stay you will leave a legacy, but it all depends on you and what what you want. Of course, you can go and look for trophies in big clubs, but i think you can leave a legacy in this great club'”He continued.

“That was the key message for me, and after that conversation I thought ‘Okay, of course, I want to stay’ and it has been.”Said the Gabonese. The forward assured that he has had “good opportunities” to leave, but confessed that “that feeling” of being at Arsenal, of receiving the love of the fans and the club, does not believe that leaving would receive “the same love“And that's why I decided to stay.

After scoring 72 goals in 112 games since his arrival at Arsenal, considered by many the best striker in the Premier, the Gabonese is “proud to be the captain”From Arsenal, but that was not the“ biggest factor ”in making their decision.