Mikel Arteta has stated that stripping off Aubameyang off captainacy was to put the club in the best position but admits the Gabonese will be respected if he comes back to Emirate stadium as an opponent.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that former club captain Aubameyang deserves the respect if he come back to the Emirate stadium as an opponent.
The forward was stripped off captaincy by the Spaniard last season due to lack of discipline by the Gabonese.
Aubameyang moved from the London club last season to join La Liga club Barcelona in Spain.
According to recent report, Aubameyang has been on the radar of Chelsea and the Gabonese could leave Spain this summer.
Speaking about the former captain Arteta stated that Aubameyang deserves to be respected even if he comes back to the Emirate stadium as an opponent.
“I’d hope he does because I think he deserves that,” Arteta said. There are moments in life and there are moments in your career – sometimes the trajectory and objectives of each individual are different to the club’s. We have to respect that.
“Auba is an exceptional player. He did so much for us – he was our captain and we have to be very grateful for what he did for this club.
When asked if he has any regrets about how Aubameyang was stripped of the captaincy last season Arteta said what was done was to put the club in the best possible position.
“It’s a long time since that happened. I cannot go back every time there is another series. I have made my comments on that. I was really clear and honest with my opinion and what has been done has only been done to defend our club and put the club in the best possible position while being as clear, as honest and as consistent as we can be.”
The transfer window is still open and Arteta has stated that some players might still leave the club.
“We had Bernd and Lucas Torreira [as well as Pablo Mari]. There were a few – we had Flo Balogun going on loan as well. We’ve moved the squad a lot and we’re still willing to finalise the squad the way we want it.
“We could add something great but there are a few players that we need to find the right game time for as well. At the moment, that’s going to be difficult.”
Arsenal will host Leicester City later today at the Emirate stadium as they will look to continue their fine form.
Arteta side defeated Leicester City last season but the Spaniard believe the Foxes are different from last season as he admits it will be a difficult game.
“I think it’s difficult to compare; we’ve just played one competitive match. They’ve had some good games – I watched the game against Sevilla and they’ve been together for a long time.
“It’s a really strong squad with a manager and coaching staff that have been doing a fantastic job and have huge experience in the league. It’s always difficult against them.”
