Mueez Ajao
– Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he was “the solution, not the problem” in his relationship with former Gunners striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
– The 32-year-old was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy after his “latest disciplinary breach” in December.
– The striker said “it was a problem just with Arteta”, when he joined Barcelona on a free transfer last week.
Also Read: I never wanted to do wrong after a fallout with Arteta – Aubameyang
– Arteta responded on Wednesday, saying: “I’ve been the solution, 100%. I can look in the eye of anybody.”
– The Gunners’ boss added: “I do a lot of things wrong, for sure – the intention all the time is the best and not for me, it’s for the club and the team.
– “I’m extremely grateful for what Auba has done at the club and his contribution since I have been here. The way I see myself in that relationship is the solution, not the problem.”
– Arteta confirmed that French striker Alexandre Lacazette will be the Arsenal captain till the end of the season, when the 30-year-old’s contract is due to expire.
– Asked about Gabon international Aubameyang saying Arteta was the problem, the Spaniard replied: “That’s his opinion – that’s what he said and you have to respect that.”
– Arsenal paid a then-club record £56m to sign Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018 and he was under contract till 2023, but the club allowed him to leave without a transfer fee.
– “It ended up the best possible way for everyone, I think – when things change, and the context changes, this is part of football,” said Arteta.
– “What we did yesterday or a month ago is not relevant. You have to make a decision that the best thing to do is let him move on and now he plays for Barcelona.
– “We have had different kinds of meetings but it was a decision taken collectively with the club, the player and his agent.”
