Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once played a non-league side in Newcastle, surrounded by takeaway shops while he was playing for Gabon.

He may be a famous name now, but Aubameyang has played at some far from glamorous locations.

In 2012, his national team, Gabon, flew to Newcastle for a friendly match at St. James’ Park against Switzerland.

Before then, his side were looking for a warm-up game, and found one team willing to play them: non-league Stannington FC.

That was how the striker, who was then playing for French side St. Etienne, ended up playing at Grounsell Park.

The pitch was surrounded by takeaways, and had tiny dugouts with wheelie bins parked next to them.

Aubameyang scored twice against the low standard of opposition.

He’s certainly played at far more appealing venues since then.

He joined Borussia Dortmund the following year and scored 141 goals, with 36 assists, in 213 games for the Bundesliga outfit.

Since arriving at Arsenal, he’s kept up his goal scoring exploits with six goals and one assist in eight matches so far.

Who knows, maybe one day he’ll end up in an FA Cup team against a non-league side and he can enjoy his 2012 experience all over again.