Barcelona unveil Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on free transfer with bumper release clause and ‘early departure’ option
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Updated 02/02/2022 at 15:37 GMT
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Arsenal exit was confirmed on Tuesday, and on Wednesday Barcelona finally confirmed he has joined the club on a free transfer. His contract runs until 2025, but Barca said there is an option for an “early departure” in 2023, while he has a release clause of €100m. Aubameyang was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy and admitted the manner of his departure 'hurts'.
Aubameyang 'very proud' to complete Barcelona transfer after Arsenal exit
Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a free transfer after the striker left Arsenal.
The forward’s move was initially reported on deadline day on Monday, with the 32-year-old flying to Barcelona in order to push the deal through.
No announcement was made by the Spanish club, however, while Arsenal went on to confirm their former captain had left the club on Tuesday – the same day he was pictured training with Barcelona.
Barca’s silence was ended on Wednesday when posting a video of Aubameyang on Twitter, with the Gabon international saying: “I’m here, Culers. Força Barça!”
Their website confirmed Aubameyang has signed a contract until 30 June 2025, although there is an option to agree an early departure on 30 June 2023.
He also has a buyout clause of €100m.
“I’m very proud, especially because my family is Spanish from my mother’s side," Aubameyang added.
“My main goal is to help the team and give everything I can to bring the team back to the Champions League. I’m just happy to be here, I will try to give everything.”
On working under Xavi, he said: “That’s amazing to have him as a coach. He was a fantastic player and I’m sure as a coach he will bring us something to learn.”
Aubameyang’s Arsenal career was deemed all-but over after he was stripped of the captaincy in December – with his latest “disciplinary breach” proving one too many for manager Mikel Arteta.
After being frozen out of the side, the player took to Instagram to address his exit on Tuesday, admitting it "hurts" to leave in the manner he did.
He said: "To the Arsenal fans, thank you for making London home for myself and my family for the past four years. We went through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me.
"Having the chance to win trophies and the honour of being the captain of this club is something I will forever keep in my heart.
"I have always been 100% focused and committed on doing everything I can for this club which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts - but that is football.
"I’m sad I did not get the chance to help my teammates in the last few weeks, but I have nothing but respect for this club and truly wish all my guys and the fans all the best and many successful years in the future! Love, Auba."
Aubameyang had 18 months left on his Arsenal contract, and although his departure on a free transfer initially seemed surprising, getting him off their books will save the club £25m in wages given his reported £350,000-a-week salary.
He reportedly accepted a pay-cut to join Barca, with his wages initially a stumbling block for clubs looking to take the player on loan.
Juventus had also been linked with Aubameyang, while Barca made a late January move for the Gabon international after their hopes of signing Alvaro Morata were dashed.
Aubameyang returned to Arsenal from Africa Cup of Nations duty early due to heart complications, but said he is “absolutely fine”.
Aubameyang posted on Instagram earlier in the month: "I came back to London to do some additional checks, and I'm very happy to say that my heart is absolutely fine and I'm completely healthy!!
"Really appreciate all the messages over the last few days and I'm already back at it."
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