Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has sent a simple message to Arsenal following his permanent move away from the club.
The Gunners confirmed on Tuesday evening that the striker has left the Emirates Stadium after a mutual agreement. football.london understands that the 32-year-old is set to join Barcelona, but the Catalan club still need to sort out some formalities with La Liga before the transfer is confirmed.
The club confirmed his departure on social media, with Arsenal tweeting a video, with the caption reading: "For the match-winning moments, for the iconic celebrations, for making us smile. Thank you for everything, @Auba", to which the striker replied a love heart emoji.
What happened with Aubameyang
Aubameyang was stripped of Arsenal's captaincy towards the end of last year due to a discipline issue. The striker did not play for the Gunners again, with Mikel Arteta making him train away from the first-team at London Colney.
He then went to the Africa Cup of Nations to represent Gabon, only to test positive for Covid-19 and was therefore unable to play for his country at the tournament.
On transfer deadline day, Aubameyang flew to Barcelona and was spotted leaving the airport, even though a deal had not been agreed at that point.
Despite some complications with the deal, it looks like he is finally set to complete a move to Barca in the coming days, bar any late hiccups.
Arsenal release statement
It was the worst kept secret in the world of football, but Arsenal finally confirmed the news when they released a statement on the club's official website on Tuesday evening, that reads: "Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has left the club by mutual agreement.
"Auba joined us from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 and won the Premier League Golden Boot in his first full season in 2018/19. He scored both goals in the 2020 FA Cup final win over Chelsea, and scored again at Wembley as we won the FA Community Shield against Liverpool at the start of last season.
"Auba has been our captain for the past two-and-a-half seasons and made 162 appearances, scoring 92 goals in all competitions.
"The 32-year-old was named African Footballer of the Year in 2015 and won the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) in 2017 during his time with Borussia Dortmund.
"His previous clubs have been AC Milan, Dijon (loan), Lille (loan), Monaco (loan) and Saint-Etienne, together with representing Gabon 72 times.
"We wish Auba all the best for the next chapter in his career and thank him for his contribution to the club."
