“I Turned to Mikel Arteta for Support During a Tough Time – Instead, He Ended My Arsenal Career.”
Mikel Arteta revitalized Arsenal after succeeding Unai Emery in 2019. The Spanish manager transformed the team from a struggling mid-table side into one of England’s elite, consistently competing for the Premier League title. His first priorities were reducing the club’s hefty wage bill and enhancing the squad’s quality. To achieve this, he moved on high-earning players like Nicolas Pepe and Mesut Ozil while promoting academy talents such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
However, Arteta’s methods didn’t sit well with all senior players. His most notable clash came with then-captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese striker, one of Arsenal’s standout performers in the post-Wenger era, had been a prolific goalscorer since his arrival under Arsène Wenger and was among the club’s highest-paid players. Despite early success under Arteta, including Aubameyang’s vital role in the FA Cup triumph, their relationship soured over time.
The Breakdown of Arteta and Aubameyang’s Relationship
Tensions peaked in late 2021 after Aubameyang returned late from visiting his ill mother. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, his delayed arrival caused friction. Reflecting on the incident, Aubameyang admitted fault for his tardiness but expressed frustration over Arteta’s response. Speaking to The Athletic, he explained: “I should have returned the night before, but I arrived the next morning. I was dealing with my mum’s medical issues and didn’t inform them in time.”
Despite acknowledging his mistake, Aubameyang expected understanding. Instead, Arteta reprimanded him: “He started shouting, saying I couldn’t do this as captain and accused me of betraying him. I was shocked because he knew what I was going through and why I was delayed. I expected support, not to be treated this way.”
Aubameyang maintained that he always apologizes when at fault, but he refused to do so in this case, stating: “I’d never say sorry for prioritizing my mum. If they didn’t want players to travel, they shouldn’t give days off.”
This was not the first disciplinary issue involving Aubameyang; he had been dropped earlier that year for arriving late to the North London Derby. The December 2021 incident, however, was the final straw. His contract was terminated in January 2022, and he subsequently joined Barcelona.
Aubameyang’s Arsenal Legacy
Aubameyang arrived at Arsenal in 2018 as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, scoring 10 goals in 13 Premier League games during Wenger’s final season. He won the Golden Boot under Emery and continued his prolific form early in Arteta’s tenure, scoring decisive goals in the FA Cup semi-final and final in 2020.
While his relationship with Arteta ended poorly, Aubameyang remains one of Arsenal’s most talented strikers of the modern era. Cutting ties ultimately benefited the club, but his contributions during a challenging period for Arsenal will
not be forgotten.
