Aubameyang wants Gabon return
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has declared his comeback to the Gabon national team after a year of retiring from international football. He attributed his decision to the impact of the country’s president, Ali Bongo Ondimba.
The Chelsea striker, who had the option to play for France or Spain when he was younger, has had a difficult relationship with the Gabonese Football Association since he first played for the national team in 2009. He decided to retire from international football in May of last year after scoring 30 goals in 72 games.
On Tuesday, Aubameyang, who is considered the most skilled player from Gabon, declared that he is once again willing to play for the national team and has communicated with coach Patrice Neveu.
“A few days ago I had the immense honor to be received by the President of the Republic (of Gabon) Ali Bongo Ondimba and at the same time listened to the wise words he said to me as a father talking to his son,” Aubameyang posted on his official Instagram account.
“Following this, I therefore put myself at the disposal of my country and of the coach Patrice Neveu.”
With two rounds remaining in the qualification process for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Gabon is currently leading their pool and has the opportunity to secure their spot in the finals by defeating Democratic Republic of Congo in their upcoming home game.
The forward has experienced a decline in performance lately, as he has only started five Premier League matches for Chelsea this season and scored one goal against Crystal Palace in October. It appears likely that he will depart from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, as there have been strong rumors linking him to a return to Barcelona, where he began the 2022-23 season.
Despite only playing for eight minutes before joining Chelsea, Aubameyang will receive a LaLiga championship medal from Barcelona for their title win this season.
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