Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, following his stunning hat-trick against Ajax in the Europa League, opened up about his initial challenges at the club, including his response to criticism and his recent upturn in form.
Two days after his hat-trick against Ajax in the Europa League, former Arsenal striker and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reflected on his initial struggles at the club.
Aubameyang, who had previously scored only one goal in Ligue 1 and faced criticism from supporters, notably in a league match against Lille, found form by scoring three crucial goals in a 4-3 victory over Ajax.
Addressing his performance, Aubameyang expressed contentment, saying, “When we score goals, we are happy. I didn’t come here to do I don’t know what. When things go badly, I’m the first to not feel good otherwise I wouldn’t be not there. I would have stopped playing football (smile).”
Aubameyang also addressed the criticism and the whistles he heard from the Vélodrome crowd.
He clarified his goal celebration, which involved a closed face and a sombre look, asking, “What makes you think that it is a distrust and not simply a personal discontent?”
He explained his reaction by stating, “I wasn’t happy with everything that was happening. There’s everything. I’m touched by it all. It’s not a sign of distrust. We had to remain humble. Not having the start to the season that I wanted. I was a little upset. The supporters are there to encourage us, why challenge them?”
Aubameyang concluded on a positive note, showing confidence in his abilities and future performance: “I know it will come. I’m not worrying too much.”
The 34-year-old has now scored five goals in four Europa League games (along with two in two Champions League qualification goals) but still has a solitary goal in 12 Ligue 1 appearances.