Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has claimed leaving Arsenal has worked out best for everyone as his prolific start to life at Barcelona continued.
The former Gunners skipper was ostracised by Mikel Arteta following a breach of the club’s disciplinary rules in December.
He was subsequently stripped of the captaincy and was made available to leave, with the Premier League club allowing him to join Barcelona on a free transfer.
And it’s a move which has instantly reaped rewards, with the Gabon international rediscovering some of his best form to score five goals in his first six LaLiga games, including a hat-trick against Valencia.
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Aubameyang, 32, who signed a new bumper contract with Arsenal less than 18 months before his departure, said his exit was down to a decision made by manager Arteta.
“I think it was only with him and then he took this decision,” Aubameyang said. “He wasn’t happy and that’s it. I was calm.”
And in the wake of his latest goal against Osasuna, Arsenal fanatic Piers Morgan has once again bemoaned the decision to allow him to leave the Emirates.
Posting on social media, Morgan said: “Arsenal fans have spent the past 2hrs gloating about why we’re so much better without Aubameyang & they’re so glad he’s gone.
“Meanwhile, he just scored his 6th goal in 9 games for Barcelona, which includes 5 goals in 6 La Liga games. I miss you Auba.”
Morgan’s tweet came just hours after the Gunners had made it five Premier League wins on the spin, beating Leicester City 2-0 to move back into fourth position.
The victory leaves Arteta’s side firmly in control of their own Champions League destiny, one point ahead of Manchester United, having played a remarkable three games fewer.
Following the routine win over the Foxes, Sky Sports pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink claimed Arteta had made the right decision on Aubameyang, with his former team-mates enjoying their best run of form of the season.
"He was not leading the team, in the way that he should be leading a team,” he explained. “It was better to let him go and get the team together. You can see they are playing out of their skin."
And Aubameyang himself has taken a diplomatic view of the acrimonious split, suggesting that, in hindsight, a separation was best for both parties.
He replied to Morgan’s tweet, saying: “Thanks Piers but Sometimes everyone benefits from a separation most important is that everyone is happy now. And we had good times that I will don't forget.”
Barca’s latest victory took Xavi’s side up to third in the LaLiga table, just five points behind Sevilla in second, but a distant 12 behind leaders Real Madrid.
