Former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admitted his 2022 transfer to London rivals Chelsea was a “big mistake,” a move he only made due to difficult circumstances at Barcelona.
Veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has publicly reflected on his move to Chelsea in 2022, candidly calling it a “f****g big mistake,” according to an interview given to Canal+ and reported widely online.
The forward, who also played for Arsenal, stated that the transfer marked one of the lowest points of his career, according to ESPN.
Aubameyang explained that the circumstances surrounding his exit from Barcelona forced his hand, citing both a “bad moment in Barcelona” following a home break-in, and the club’s need to sell a player, either him or Memphis Depay.
He confirmed his motivation was deeply personal, saying: “So I said OK, for my family, I will move away, even if it’s Chelsea…”
The former Gabon international admitted he had hoped the move would mirror compatriot Olivier Giroud’s successful cross-London switch but quickly realized his situation was “different.”
Aubameyang’s subsequent time at Stamford Bridge was underwhelming, culminating in a swift departure.
His brutally honest assessment contrasts sharply with the high expectations surrounding his transfer to the Gunners’ rivals just over three years ago.