Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s father says his son’s move to Olympique de Marseille is a “big relief” after a “nightmare year”.

Chelsea's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang attends a team training session at Chelsea's Cobham training facility in Stoke D'Abernon, southwest of London on March 6, 2023 on the eve of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg football match against Borussia Dortmund. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang attends a team training session at Chelsea’s Cobham training facility in Stoke D’Abernon, southwest of London on March 6, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

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).

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news

“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.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea looks dejected after Martin Odegaard of Arsenal (not pictured) scores the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea looks dejected after Martin Odegaard of Arsenal (not pictured) scores the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

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.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Chelsea FC and AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on October 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between Chelsea FC and AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on October 05, 2022. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

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.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news