Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a former forward for Arsenal, has voiced his dissatisfaction with Gabon’s national football team. He expressed feelings of humiliation following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament held in Moscow in 2025, where he was initially excluded from the squad but later reinstated.
In a recent television interview, the 37-year-old athlete stated, “They embarrassed and tarnished my reputation, despite my efforts to play at the AFCON while dealing with an injury. This has been the tipping point for me, and I would prefer to walk away now.”
Aubameyang further commented, “The issues within the team are more significant than my individual situation.”
In response to the crisis, Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema remarked on the erosion of the nation’s football identity.
Following Gabon’s disappointing performance where they finished last in their group and were eliminated in Morocco, the Minister of Sports announced the suspension of the national team during a televised briefing. He stated, “Due to the Panthers’ unacceptable showing at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team indefinitely, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from future selections.”
Earlier this summer, Aubameyang transitioned from the French club Marseille to Deportivo La Coruna, a Spanish team that recently secured promotion back to La Liga after a lengthy absence. His early-season form has been impressive, having scored in three consecutive matches.
On Sunday, Aubameyang netted a goal that helped his newly promoted team take a 2-0 lead against Valencia. He completed a counterattack by outmaneuvering two defenders, rounding one, and delicately chipping the ball over the opposing goalkeeper.
The match concluded with a score of 3-1, marking Deportivo’s first victory since their return to the league. Prior to this, Aubameyang had scored in 1-1 draws against Elche and Malaga in La Liga.
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