Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez took a thinly-veiled swipe at Arsenal after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted his sixth goal for his new club on Sunday.
Aubameyang, who joined from Arsenal for free on 2 February, bagged Barca’s third goal in their comfortable four-goal victory over Osasuna at Camp Nou in La Liga.
The Gabonese striker has now netted six goals in six starts for his new club as he has made an impressive start to life in Spanish football.
Aubameyang’s arrival followed those of Dani Alves, and came after Barca completed the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City and then secured the loan signing of La Masia graduate Adama Traore from Wolves.
Arsenal were keen to facilitate the striker’s permanent exit and waive a transfer fee due to the significant savings they will make on Aubameyang’s salary.
Have Your Say! Were Arsenal wrong to allow Aubameyang to leave? Tell us what you think here.
While the Gunners have been on a good run of form, it appears that the move has – in the short-term at least – benefitted all parties.
Barca continued their resurgence in form with a comfortable league win over Osasuna where new signing Torres netted a double before Aubameyang also got in on the act.
Xavi’s side are now resurgent both in the league and Europa League as they look to book their place in next season’s Champions League with a top four finish.
Xavi told reporters after Sunday night’s match: "Aubameyang is a present that has fallen out of the sky.
"It's not just [the goals], it's how he trains and his professionalism. He's an example, [all the players] are."
Aubameyang has re-found his goal scoring touch having gone two months without a first-team appearance after his ostracization at Arsenal.
Xavi previously explained of the striker, after he netted twice in the side’s recent 4-1 win at Valencia : "He has scored goals all his career.
"He does well when he has space.
"He is mature, intelligent, humble and positive. I am delighted with him.
"The two goals will give him confidence."
After that win at Mestalla, Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets added of the striker: "Since Aubameyang arrived, he has been working hard. We know he hasn't played many minutes this season.
"He is a fabulous player and having him in the squad, having come here for free, is really positive for us."
Barca are now on a 10-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, having been eliminated from the Spanish Supercopa and Copa del Rey in January.
Xavi’s side have won each of their last four matches in La Liga and they are unbeaten across 12 games in the competition, stretching back to the loss to Real Betis on 4 December.
Barca are also in the Round of 16 of the Europa League, with their first leg against Galatasaray finishing scoreless at the Camp Nou last week.
