Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has admitted to being "very sad on a personal level" after the Gunners let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave for Barcelona.
The Gabon international was just a year and a half into a new deal in north London, but has left for nothing after a difficult few weeks in which a lot of things unravelled.
Barcelona's move for the striker was made official on Wednesday, with Aubameyang signing a deal until June 2025 which contains a break clause at the end of the 2022-23 season.
The former Borussia Dortmund man has spoken of the "hurt" it caused him to leave without a proper goodbye, and Wright's comments suggest the Premier League winner shares his pain.
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"I’m quite disappointed that somewhere along the line something couldn’t have been resolved," Wright said on his 'Wrighty's House' podcast (via Metro ).
"But it’s not resolved, he’s gone and I’m sad to see him go.
"It just feels so definite. That’s it: bam, out, gone! If I’m being totally honest, I didn’t think it would come to this"
The departure comes less than two months after a disciplinary breach saw Aubameyang stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, and he hasn't played a minute of first-team football since December 6.
And despite being hurt by the departure, Wright said he would back Arteta after the decision.
"I’m very sad on a personal level because I think he’s made for us," the 58-year-old said.
"If you’ve got Auba then you gear everything into him and structure everything for him to do what he does.
"I remember not long ago I was watching his goals for Dortmund and it’s just all geared to him so I’m devastated that we couldn’t do that for him.
‘"But I feel, as much as I love him, I have to back the manager because he’s our manager now. He’s taken the chance doing what he’s doing and I’m going to back him with that."
Aubameyang's Arsenal exit comes after a healthy return of 92 goals in 163 games, with seven of the 92 coming this season.
He arrived as a club record signing in January 2018, the last window of Arsene Wenger's reign at the Emirates Stadium, and ended his first full Arsenal campaign by sharing the Premier League golden boot.
"To the Arsenal fans, thank you for making London home for myself and my family for the past four years," he wrote in a farewell message.
"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% focused 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 team-mates 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!
"Love, Auba."
