Aubameyang to return to Gabon a year after announcing national team retirement

2023-05-18 13:53

Aubameyang to return to Gabon a year after announcing national team retirement

Chelsea striker Pierre - Emerick Aubameyang is set to return to the Gabon squad a year after announcing his retirement from international football.


The 33 -year- old Aubameyang retired in May 2022 and became the player with the most goals in the history of the Gabon national team , scoring 28 goals in 68 games .


The striker said the decision to return to the national team was made following a meeting with Gabonese president Ali Bongo Ondamba . Aubameyang wrote on social media: "I listened to his (President) words of wisdom from father to son."


Gabon's national team, coached by former La Rochelle player Patrice Nebo, is currently leading the group for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.


Aubameyang's post added: "A few days ago I had the honor of being received by the President of the Gabonese Republic, Ali Bongo Ondimba. Therefore, I have decided to play for my country and for my coach, Patrice Nebo."


The French-born striker, who made his Gabon debut in 2009, has endured some difficulties at club level in recent seasons, including being sacked as Arsenal captain in December 2021 , before moving to Arsenal in the transfer window. Barcelona. He is currently linked with a return to the Camp Nou, where he played for Barcelona at the start of the 2022-23 season.


FC Barcelona have confirmed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will receive a La Liga winner's medal despite playing just eight minutes before his move to Chelsea .


Aubameyang moved from Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal in the Premier League in 2018. He was introduced by then head coach Arsene Wenger and scored 92 goals in 142 appearances for the Gunners.


However, he has scored just once in the Premier League for Chelsea this season and was dropped by Chelsea in the knockout stages despite scoring in both legs of the Champions League group stage against AC Milan.