Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s impressive form at Olympique de Marseille hasn’t translated to a return to the Gabon national team and his people are not happy.

The 34-year-old striker was surprisingly omitted from the squad for their European tour, and his family are now publicly criticising coach Thierry Mouyouma’s decision.

Aubameyang’s entourage claims the coach never contacted him and questions the treatment he received. Is this a simple communication breakdown, or is there a deeper rift between Aubameyang and the Gabon national team?

Despite a strong second half of the season with Olympique de Marseille, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was not called up for Gabon‘s European tour, sparking criticism from the striker’s entourage.

Aubameyang, who replaced former Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez at OM last summer, has been a key player for Marseille after a rough start that saw some Marseille fans wonder if he thought the Ligue 1 club was a retirement home. The 34-year-old now boasts 23 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions. However, his impressive form wasn’t enough to earn a recall to the national team, a decision that has ruffled feathers in Aubameyang’s camp.

According to a relative of the player speaking to La Provence, “The treatment that Mr. Mouyouma reserved for Pierre-Emerick is unworthy.” They cast doubt on any future work between Aubameyang and coach Thierry Mouyouma, stating, “It’s complicated to see them collaborating in the future.”

While Mouyouma claims he attempted to contact Aubameyang, the player’s camp disputes this version. “The reality is that they never spoke to each other,” the relative explained. “Since the beginning, the coach never came into contact with him.”

While Olympique de Marseille maintains there’s no “dispute” between Aubameyang and Gabon, the situation clearly creates unease. Whether this is a communication breakdown or a deeper rift remains to be seen.

Aubameyang previously retired from international football before reversing his decision in May last year. That decision came after a meeting with Gabon’s President Ali Bongo Ondimda.

Auba turns 35 in June.