'.

Former Gunner says Arteta grabbed him and accused him of betrayal

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has once again opened up on his acrimonious exit from Arsenal, this time saying Mikel Arteta grabbed him and accused him of betraying him.

In a recent interview on the ‘Colinterview‘ podcast, as relayed by the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the former Gunners captain has claimed that a visit to his ailing mother ultimately led to his fallout with manager Mikel Arteta, who accused him of betrayal.

Aubameyang is still in love with Barça "If I had to choose one stage of my career it would be that” Mundo Deportivo (At. Madrid)14 Nov 2024 PHOTO: PEP MORATA Aubameyang signed a brace in the 0-4 to Real Madrid of the 2021-22 La Liga Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (35 years old) is still feeling great from Saudi Arabia. The Gabonese striker played for FC Barcelona from February to August 2022, scoring 13 goals in 24 official matches. Despite his long career playing for top-level teams such as Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal and Olympique Marseille, he does not hesitate to opt for Barça as the one that made him feel better. In the podcast 'Colinterview’, the current Al-Qasisiya footballer confessed his gratitude to Barcelona: "If I had to choose a stage of my career as a footballer, I would choose that of Barça. There are many moments that I want to re-compose forever, but I would choose above all the affection of the Culés”. The African also recalled that a trip to France to see his sick mother was the turning point to end up leaving the Emirates Stadium: “My mother suffered a stroke and I delayed my return because I took her to her medical clinics. When I arrived, Arteta finished his meeting. He grabbed me and shouted at me: ‘You have betrayed me. I can't do this with everything we're going through." Days later he landed at Barça
Mundo Deportivo 14 November 2024

Aubameyang, now 35 and plying his trade with Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, has reflected on his short stint with FC Barcelona as the happiest of his career, despite playing for clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, and Olympique Marseille for longer.

In the podcast, he explained, “If I had to choose a stage of my career as a footballer, I would choose that of Barça. There are many moments that I want to re-compose forever, but I would choose above all the affection of the Culés.”

Aubameyang enjoyed a successful spell with Barcelona in early 2022, scoring 13 goals in 24 matches before departing just months later.

However, it was his comments regarding the conclusion of his Arsenal tenure that stood out.

Aubameyang disclosed that a personal family emergency—his mother suffering a stroke—had delayed his return to London, whereupon he was confronted by Arteta. According to Aubameyang, Arteta accused him of betrayal. “My mother suffered a stroke and I delayed my return because I took her to her medical clinics,” Aubameyang said. “When I arrived, Arteta finished his meeting. He grabbed me and shouted at me: ‘You have betrayed me. I can’t do this with everything we’re going through.”

A few days later, Aubameyang was on his way to Barcelona, ending his four-year stint at Arsenal.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 13: Pierre-Emerick Emiliano François Aubameyang and Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona shake hands during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at Camp Nou on March 13, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

This adds a new layer to the story that has been unfolding since 2022. Back then, journalist Matt Law reported that Aubameyang held a personal vendetta against Arteta. Law claimed that Aubameyang viewed himself as the scapegoat for Arsenal’s struggles during his final months at the club and that he felt isolated by the coaching staff. While Aubameyang had no animosity towards his teammates, the club, or its supporters, his frustrations were clearly directed at Arteta.

Adding further context, Rafa Benitez had also weighed in on the matter in late 2022. Speaking on Premier League Productions, Benitez suggested that Arteta initially tried to support Aubameyang, attempting to work with him for as long as possible before circumstances forced a different decision. Benitez said, “I think he was trying to support the player, as much as he could. Then after he couldn’t, so he had to make a decision and that’s it.” It was an echo of a more pragmatic approach taken by Arteta—one that eventually led to Aubameyang’s exit.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 18, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Despite the obvious tension between Aubameyang and Arteta, other details have emerged portraying a complex relationship. During his time at Arsenal, Aubameyang was reportedly given multiple chances by Arteta, who attempted to manage the player’s recurring misdemeanours—as documented in the Amazon ‘All or Nothing’ series. But after several incidents, including lateness and unapproved absences, Arteta seemingly reached his breaking point. The accusations of betrayal that Aubameyang now recalls are indicative of a situation that had grown untenable for both parties.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang interacts with Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal as he is substituted during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Aubameyang’s most recent comments will certainly rekindle debate among Arsenal supporters about Arteta’s decision-making and his approach to dealing with senior players. Yet they also serve to underline the long-standing tension that had been growing beneath the surface at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta’s decision to let go of his then captain was widely considered a risky move at the time, but Arsenal’s subsequent resurgence in form seemed to validate the manager’s stance.

The latest claims from Aubameyang paint a vivid picture of his final months at Arsenal—a period marked by personal challenges, accusations, and ultimately an irreparable breakdown in trust between player and manager. For Aubameyang, those events now appear to be in the past, as he fondly looks back on his happier times at Barcelona. For Arteta and Arsenal, however, the move marked the beginning of a new chapter—one in which discipline and unity have become cornerstones of the club’s renewed ambitions.

Related Posts