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Watch: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta savagely criticised by Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has criticised Mikel Arteta for his management style at Arsenal and has claimed that his former boss ‘can’t handle big players’.

Aubameyang spent just over a year under Arteta’s management at Arsenal and scored the two goals that secured victory in the 2020 FA Cup final over Chelsea.

But the striker’s final few months at the Emirates turned sour as Arteta stripped him of the captaincy following a string of disciplinary issues.

Arsenal ended up terminating Aubameyang’s contract at the start of 2022 which paved the way for the striker to join Barcelona.

Now at Chelsea, after joining the Premier League club following Barca’s financial issues, Aubameyang was asked about leaving Arsenal and went in two-footed on Arteta.

Speaking in a video with A Jewellers, the Gabon international said: “I remember they [Barcelona] first called my father.

“We knew the coach, Xavi, then he called me and said there is an opportunity because you have those problems with Arsenal, but if you come you will help us a lot, so I said, ‘okay’.

“But to manage big characters or big players, he [Arteta] can’t deal with it. He needs some young players, they don’t say anything, they listen.”

Asked to name the player who he thinks will be a ‘big star’ in the future, Aubameyang replied: “Obviously, Saka.For me, Martinelli. Saka and Martinelli are both.’

Aubameyang also hit out at accusations from some Arsenal supporters who suggested he was only motivated by his £250,000-a-week contract.

“I wanted to show them [Arsenal] because they thought this guy [only plays] because of the money,’ the Chelsea striker said.

“But okay, let me go everywhere else I’ll show you, that’s no problem, I will show you.”

Aubameyang’s criticisms are likely to be brushed aside by Arsenal supporters who are currently enjoying their side’s brilliant start to the Premier League season.


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