Aubameyang vows to become Arsenal ‘legend’ after new contract
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vowed to become an Arsenal “legend” as the Gunners captain ended speculation over his future by signing a new three-year contract on Tuesday.
Aubameyang’s contract saga had dragged on since last season amid speculation he wanted to join a club in the Champions League.
This is where you belong, Auba ❤️
🤝 @Aubameyang7 pic.twitter.com/sgViWSBYWf
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 15, 2020
But the Gabon forward revealed he had committed his future to Arsenal in a live Instagram stream from the Emirates Stadium.
The deal is reported to be worth £250,000-per-week ($321,000), with bonuses that could take it beyond £350,000-per-week contract of the club’s highest earner Mesut Ozil.
“Arsenal fans, finally as you know I just signed the thing,” Aubameyang said.
Arsenal confirmed the news themselves on their website in a statement that said: “Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has signed a new three-year contract with us!”
☕ "Let's go and have a cup of tea…"
😍 Those iconic laughs!
📺 Watch the full 10-minute chat between @IanWright0 and @Aubameyang7 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 16, 2020
After scoring the goals that fired Arsenal to last season’s surprise FA Cup semi-final and final victories over Manchester City and Chelsea, Aubameyang had refused to confirm he wanted to stay at the north London club.
At one stage last term, the 31-year-old admitted he faced a big decision over his future, fuelling reports that he was ready to leave amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
But Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained confident Aubameyang was happy at the club and wanted to stay.
Over 100,000 people were watching the announcement via the official Arsenal Instagram account as Aubameyang pledged to follow in the footsteps of Gunners greats like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Ian Wright.
“Everybody knows how special this club is, I have seen incredible players, passionate players, Invincible players,” Aubameyang said.
❤️ 🤝 ❤️ https://t.co/sYD6wvu0Yz
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 15, 2020
“I dream of being one of them, amongst the best, and staying in the hearts of the fans forever.
“I want to become an Arsenal legend just like Thierry, Wrighty, Adams and Bergkamp – too many to mention.
“My dad is my biggest inspiration, he was captain of his club and his country so it means so much to me to be the captain of this special club.
“I want to leave a legacy, this is where I belong, this is my family.”
Aubameyang moved to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 and has scored 72 goals in 111 games in all competitions, including one in Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Fulham on the opening day of the new season.
Our captain. pic.twitter.com/2zhnqZ6qxz
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 15, 2020
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He also scored a superb goal as Arsenal beat Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley last month.
The 2015 African Footballer of the Year finished as the Premier League’s joint top scorer in 2019.