Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s father says his son’s move to Olympique de Marseille is a “big relief” after a “nightmare year”.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang recently completed a transfer to Olympique de Marseille, leaving Chelsea after just a year back in London.
Speaking to the media this week, Aubameyang’s father admitted it’s been a difficult time for the former Arsenal striker, in part due to Aubameyang Sr.’s health issues and last year’s home invasion.
“His jaw was broken by robbers at his home in Barcelona whilst trying to protect his wife and children,” Aubameyang Sr. said (via GFFN).
“At Chelsea, he played with a mask at the start. It could only be a nightmare year. Now it’s over. He has a smile. He knows that I’m seeing the light again because I can walk and run since my last operation. And he’s signing for OM (Marseille).
“It is a big relief after the nightmare year that he experienced. There was contact with Saudi Arabia, but when OM come forward… who hasn’t dreamed of playing for this club?
“Especially in Africa. I keep receiving messages from back home.”
Aubameyang has signed a deal with Marseille lasting until June 2026, with Chelsea letting him leave for free.
The Blues signed Aubameyang for £12m less than a year ago, but they were willing to cancel his contract for nothing to permit him a move back to France.
The 34-year-old striker last played in France for Saint-Etienne back in 2013, before his move to Germany with Dortmund.
That spell with Saint-Etienne brought Aubameyang’s first-ever trophy, the Coupe de la Ligue in 2012/13.
Marseille’s third-place finish last season has them in the Champions League qualifiers this season. If they can win their qualification tie, they might yet get a match-up with Arsenal in the group stage.