Aubameyang Faces Backlash From Fans Over Blunt Admission Hours Before Nigeria vs Gabon

Aubameyang Faces Backlash From Fans Over Blunt Admission Hours Before Nigeria vs Gabon

  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is facing backlash from Chelsea fans, hours before the crucial World Cup play-off against Nigeria
  • Aubameyang has come under fire after admitting in a recent podcast that his move to Chelsea was a mistake
  • The Gabon captain is set to make history by qualifying the Panthers for their first-ever FIFA World Cup via the play-offs

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is at the centre of controversy after admitting that his move to Chelsea was a “big mistake,” just hours before Gabon’s crucial World Cup play-off against Nigeria.

The Gabon captain, who is set to lead his country in their quest for a first-ever World Cup appearance, made the blunt confession during a podcast appearance, and Chelsea fans are not taking it lightly.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Chelsea, Gabon, Super Eagles, Nigeria
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has come under fire after claiming his move to Chelsea was a big mistake. Photo by Shaun Botterill
Source: Getty Images

Aubameyang admits Chelsea move was a big mistake

The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker opened up about the turbulent chapter of his career that saw him move to Chelsea in 2022, Daily Mail reports.

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The transfer was initially seen as a reunion with his former Borussia Dortmund coach, Thomas Tuchel, but that reunion barely lasted a week.

Tuchel was sacked shortly after Aubameyang’s arrival, leaving the striker stranded in a system that did not suit him.

"That was a big mistake going there," Aubameyang told Arsenal content creator Troopz.
"It was a big mistake. At that time, I had a bad moment in Barcelona. I had a home break-in, and Barca needed to sell a player, me or Memphis Depay, and the only thing that was on the table was Chelsea. So I said, 'OK, for my family, I will move away, even if it's Chelsea.'”

Aubameyang’s short stay at Stamford Bridge coincided with one of Chelsea’s most chaotic seasons in recent history.

Despite being part of an expensive wave of signings, the 36-year-old managed just three goals in 21 appearances across all competitions, as seen on Transfermarkt.

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Chelsea fans fire back at Aubameyang

Aubameyang’s comments have sparked outrage among Chelsea supporters, many of whom have accused him of disrespect and disloyalty.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Chelsea, Gabon, Super Eagles, Nigeria
Aubameyang is set to lead Gabon against Nigeria in the World Cup playoff. Photo by Simon Maina
Source: Getty Images

Social media was flooded with angry reactions as fans revisited his disappointing performances in blue.

One fan posted:

“It was a mistake we hired you… thank God it was brief.”

Another wrote:

“As Chelsea fans, we all agree. You were a mistake.”

An irate supporter added:

“It was a mistake signing him. What a waste of a signing.”

Despite the backlash, Aubameyang remains focused on leading his national team to glory.

Gabon are on the brink of making history as they prepare to face Nigeria in the CAF World Cup playoff semi-final.

A win would move the Panthers one step closer to their first-ever World Cup qualification.

At 36, Aubameyang’s leadership and experience will be crucial as Gabon face a star-studded Super Eagles side after finishing the qualifiers with 12 goals.

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Gabon issues statement ahead of playoffs

In another development, Legit.ng reported that Gabon took a swipe at the Super Eagles following Nigeria’s boycott of training on Tuesday, just days before their crucial FIFA World Cup play-off.

The Nigerian players, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, reportedly refused to train over unpaid match bonuses dating back to 2019.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu has covered prominent sporting events, including the African Wrestling Championship, NPFL matches, AFCON, and World Cup qualifiers, etc. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng