Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang laughed off Paul Merson 's claim that he is "finished" after producing a stunning performance to light up El Clasico.
The forward, 32, scored twice and grabbed an assist as Barcelona thumped bitter rivals Real Madrid 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday night. His double took Aubameyang's tally to seven goals in seven La Liga appearances since he joined the Catalan giants from Arsenal on a free transfer in January.
It also proved the Gabonese is still up there with the most-prolific attackers in Europe when he is at his best despite suggestions he was declining towards the end of his time with the Gunners. Highbury legend Merson declared Aubameyang is "finished" at the start of the year, after he was stripped of the captaincy by Mikel Arteta.
The former Borussia Dortmund ace had only scored four goals in 14 Premier League appearances in the first half of the season to raise questions of whether his best days were behind him. However, he has quashed those fears with his brilliance in the Barca frontline.
Aubameyang took to Twitter after the match to post a picture of his celebration - which is inspired by television show Dragon Ball Z - and write: "Hello from the finished player."
Barcelona's victory over La Liga leaders Real Madrid means 12 points separate the Spanish giants, while the third-placed Blaugrana also have a game in hand. Sevilla are Los Blancos' nearest rivals but three consecutive draws have hindered their chances of domestic glory, leaving them nine points behind.
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Although the result appears to have little impact on the title race, Xavi can be hugely proud of the job he has done since replacing Ronald Koeman in November. The Camp Nou legend admitted Barca were "expecting a harder match" in the capital after leading his side to a resounding victory.
Xavi added: "We had the game under control. We pressed high, won the ball back in their half. I think we were superior and could have scored more goals. This is the path to follow and the perfect model of play to compete. The players are enjoying themselves, we're a family in the dressing room.
"I am very proud, very happy. It's a day to enjoy. It was spectacular, Barca are coming back. There has not been a lot of joy recently, above all in Clasicos. And as well as coach, I am a fan. We will celebrate it." Barcelona and Aubameyang will face off with Sevilla after the international break.
