‘I did it for my son’: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hits back at Toni Kroos over criticism of mask celebrations

Arsenal captain has sported Black Panther, Spider-Man and Batman masks after scoring goals in the past

Alex Pattle
Thursday 12 November 2020 18:03 GMT
Comments
(Getty Images)
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has hit back at Toni Kroos over the Real Madrid midfielder’s criticism of the Arsenal striker’s mask celebrations.

Aubameyang, who sported Spider-Man and Batman masks on various occasions while celebrating goals during his time with Borussia Dortmund, wore a Black Panther mask in tribute to the Marvel superhero as he celebrated netting against Rennes for Arsenal in the Europa League in March 2019.

And Kroos brought up the Gunners’ captain’s habit while speaking on his Einfach mal Luppen podcast.

“I find it really silly when players have rehearsed dances or choreography,” the Germany international said.

Read more: Arsenal coach Arteta insists he does not feel ‘disrespected’ by captain Aubameyang

“It’s even worse when there’s some kind of object hidden in their socks. 

“Aubameyang was celebrating this one time and took out a mask. That’s where I draw the line.”

Kroos, 30, added that he thought such behaviour was not reflective of a “good role model”, causing Aubameyang to speak out on social media.

The Gabon international wrote on Twitter: “Does this Toni Kroos have kids?

“Just to remember I did it for my son [a] few times and I will do it again.

“I wish you have kids one day and make them happy like this…”

Aubameyang’s tweet to Kroos, who is in fact a father, was also written as a positive response to a user who had shared a young school pupil’s drawing of the striker wearing a cape.

The student had apparently drawn the image when asked to create something that represented the word “happiness” to them.

This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in