Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is aiming to bring Barcelona back to the Champions League after the striker completed his free transfer from Arsenal.
The Gabon striker said he was “proud and happy” to have joined the Catalan giants, with the move confirmed a day after Arsenal announced they had released Aubameyang from his contract.
The 32-year-old former Gunners captain was released by the club on Monday, having not made an appearance since being disciplined in December.
Aubameyang arrived at Barcelona on Monday morning sparking rumors of a loan move from the La Liga side, although confusion reigned as no deal had been agreed as the deadline approached.
𝑨 𝑼 𝑩 𝑨 𝑴 𝑬 𝒀 𝑨 𝑵 𝑮 pic.twitter.com/iwwRr8AXBJ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 2, 2022
Talks progressed on Monday and Arsenal announced the following day that they had agreed to allow Aubameyang to leave the club by mutual consent.
He could yet make his Barcelona debut against Atletico Madrid this weekend as the duo battle it out for the Champions League places in La Liga, with Barcelona already falling out of the Europa League this season.
Speaking during an interview on Barcelona’s official Twitter feed, Aubameyang made it clear what his goals are after signing a deal until 2025.
“I’m very proud, especially because my family is Spanish on my mother’s side,” he said.
“I’m really proud and happy to be here. My main goal is to help the team and give everything I can to bring the team back to the Champions League and stuff like that.
“I’m just happy to be here and I’m going to try to give it my all.
“It’s amazing to have him (Xavi) as a coach, he’s been a fantastic player as everyone knows and I’m sure as a coach he will bring us something that we will learn from.”
Barcelona have confirmed his arrival at Camp Nou on Wednesday morning, after photos of him training with his new teammates have already surfaced.
❗️ NEW SIGNING! ▶ @Auba it’s blaugrana!
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 2, 2022
“FC Barcelona and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have reached an agreement for the player to join the Club after the striker terminated his contract with Arsenal FC,” their statement read.
“The game will sign a contract until June 30, 2025 with an option to agree a departure on the 30
June 2023 and his release clause will be set at 100 million euros.
“Soon the Club will provide details on the presentation of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a first-team player.”
The Gabon international returned early from the Africa Cup of Nations due to health reasons but was not part of Mikel Arteta’s plans at Arsenal after he was sacked for returning late from an agreed trip abroad .
The composition of Barcelona’s deal, which essentially saw Aubameyang released from his £250,000-a-week base salary at the Emirates Stadium, meant he could join the Catalan giants outside the transfer window.
Arsenal have released a tribute video to the man who scored both goals and led the team in the 2020 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea.
Aubameyang, who has scored 92 goals in 163 appearances for the Gunners since leaving Borussia Dortmund four years ago, took to Instagram on Tuesday to thank the club.
“Thank you for making London my home and my family’s for the past four years,” he wrote.
“We have been through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me.
“Having the chance to win trophies and the honor of captaining this club is something I will forever hold in my heart.
“I’ve always been 100 per cent focused and committed to doing everything I can for this club, which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts – but that’s football.
“I’m sad that I haven’t had the chance to help my team-mates over the past few weeks, but I have nothing but respect for this club and really wish all my guys and the fans all the best and many more. years of success ahead! Love, Auba”
