FORMER Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has stated that Mikel Arteta wished him luck before joining Barcelona.
The 32-year-old joined the LaLiga giants on a free transfer earlier this month after having his contract at the Emirates terminated following a fallout with Arteta.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fell out with Mikel Arteta before departing Arsenal for Barcelona
Aubameyang linked up with the Blaugrana in January after having his contract terminated at the Emirates
Aubameyang received a £7million severance package from the Gunners to get his £350,000-a-week salary off their wage bill.
The Gabon international was stripped as Arsenal’s captain in December due to disciplinary issues after arriving back from an authorised trip to France a day late.
He failed to play for the North London outfit again after the incident, with Arteta leaving him out of every subsequent matchday squad.
After being presented as a Barca player, Aubameyang spoke of his problem with the Spanish gaffer, declaring he wasn’t ‘happy’ with him.
But the ex-Borussia Dortmund marksman has revealed the two left on good terms despite their explosive fallout.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the 2020 FA Cup winner was asked whether Arteta wished him luck.
To which he simply said: “Yes, yes.”
He then stated that Arteta’s footballing philosophy has helped him settle quickly into life at the Nou Camp following Sunday’s hat-trick away at Valencia.
Asked about whether he has had trouble adapting to Barca’s style of play, he added: “Some of the things we did with Arteta are similar.
“I still have to get used to it but I am eager to learn. When I see how the boys play I want to do the same.”
Aubameyang also revealed he spoke to ex-team-mate Hector Bellerin about making the switch to Catalonia.
The former Barca youth star is currently on loan at Real Betis after being deemed as surplus to requirements by Arteta.
Commenting on their conversation, Aubameyang remarked: “We talked and also with Marc Bartra when we were at Borussia Dortmund.
“He told me that it was a very big club, which is what I already thought.”
Aubameyang then declared that Arsenal’s all-time top scorer and Barcelona icon Thierry Henry gave him some advice about the move.
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