Chelsea star Aubameyang makes u-turn on his international future

Aubameyang returns to Gabon national team

Chelsea star Aubameyang makes u-turn on his international future

Stephen Oladehinde 16:08 - 17.05.2023

Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to return to the Gabon national team after announcing his retirement a year ago.

The forward who made his debut for Gabon in 2009, struggled during his last year at Arsenal and also have a difficult spell at Chelsea. He was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy before making a move to Barcelona in the following transfer window.

The 33-year-old made 68 appearances for the Gabonese team and scored 28 goals making him their record goal scorer.

Aubameyang called an end to his 14 years of football career with the national team in May 2022 but has decided to return after being convinced by the Country's president. 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in action for Gabon
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in action for Gabon

Gabonese president prompted Aubameyang’s return

Aubameyang said he was convinced by Gabon president Ali Bongo Ondimba to return to the national team after a meeting with him.

In his post on Instagram, Aubameyang said, "(I) listened to the wise words he said to me as a father talking to his son.

"A few days ago, I had the immense honour to be received by the President of the Republic (of Gabon) Ali Bongo Ondimba.

"Following this, I, therefore, put myself at the disposal of my country and of the coach Patrice Neveu."

Gabon are currently top of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification group and could seal their place at the tournament in Ivory Coast next January when they play the Democratic Republic of Congo in June.

Aubameyang link with a move back to Barcelona

The 33-year-old has been linked with a summer move back to the Nou Camp after struggling to get enough playing time at Chelsea.

Arsene Wenger, the then-manager of Arsenal, welcomed Aubameyang to the Premier League for the first time from Borussia Dortmund in 2018 where he scored 92 goals in 142 games for the Gunners.

However, he has only managed to score once in the Premier League for Chelsea this season. His limited playing time has prompted a possible move back to Camp Nou where he played before moving to Chelsea.