Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reveals he turned down Barcelona offer to stay at Emirates

Star striker signed a new contract with the Gunners this month after a summer of speculation

Alex Pattle
Monday 28 September 2020 11:28 BST
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Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed he turned down an offer from Barcelona before signing a new contract with Arsenal.

The Gunners captain extended his stay at the Emirates Stadium earlier this month, signing a new three-year deal to end a summer of speculation around his future. 

But it wasn’t for a lack of opportunities elsewhere, the 31-year-old has said.

“They were several offers, notably from Barcelona,” Aubameyang told Canal+. 

“My priority was to stay for two reasons. The first is the coach, Mikel Arteta.

“We spoke a fair amount during the lockdown and he convinced me, notably in terms of the project. 

“And of course, secondly, is the love that I receive from the fans and people at the club. 

“Since I have been here, I have been treated like one of their own and – as I am one of their own – I am going to stay here. It is as simple as that.”

Arsenal travel to Anfield in the Premier League on Monday evening to take on champions Liverpool.

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