Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang apologises to Borussia Dortmund fans after controversial departure
The player's attempts to force through a transfer soured relations between himself and the German club
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has apologised for the manner of his departure at Borussia Dortmund after completing a £56m move to Arsenal on Wednesday morning.
The Gabon international, who scored 141 goals for Dortmund during his four-and-a-half-year spell at the Westfalenstadion, left under a cloud of controversy, with his attempts to force through a transfer souring relations between himself and the club.
The 28-year-old was dropped twice this season due to disciplinary reasons while fans unveiled a banner during the player’s final Dortmund game that read: “No player is bigger than our club.”
After his move to Arsenal was confirmed, Aubameyang took to Instagram to apologise for the bad blood left behind following his departure.
“First of all sorry for everything that happened in the last month,” he wrote. “But I wanted to change last summer, it did not work, but now it had to be. Maybe it was not the best way I chose, but everyone knows that Auba is crazy.
“I've made mistakes, but never with malice. I will never forget these four and a half years at Borussia Dortmund, because you all gave me the strength for the level I am now. Thanks to the whole BVB family, the fans, the club, the staff and of course my teammates!”
In his first interview with Arsenal's official website, Aubameyang expressed his delight in joining Arsenal and the chance to be reunited with former Dortmund teammate Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
“I’m really happy to be here,” he said. “Of course I can join Mkhi in this team so I’m really happy to be here in this great team.”
When asked why he had joined Arsenal, the former African Player of the Year replied: “I think the club have such a big history and they have the great players, like Thierry Henry, so it’s an example for us strikers.
“He [Henry] was fast and he scored a lot of goals, it’s really an example [for me].”
Aubameyang described his playing style as “like Henry a little bit” but added that he will “have to work a lot to be like him”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments