In an interview with Sky Sports, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang revealed exactly how his contract situation panned out over the past year.
Plenty of clubs were after him during the tumultuous past season but he ended up signing an extension until June 2023.
“Two things persuaded me to stay,” he told Sky Sports. “The first thing was Mikel Arteta, because since he came in he brings a lot of positivity and a new philosophy for us.
“I think that was important because it matched my game and I feel that I can improve with him. I think this was the key factor and as well, the love that I receive from the fans and the whole club.
“We had a chat during lockdown and we were supposed to talk about a game and he said ‘okay, forget about it, we’re going to talk about the future’ and he asked me what I wanted to do.
“I was like ‘I feel good since you came, I’m improving, and the philosophy is very, very nice so I just want to stay’ and he was like ‘I’m sure if you stay you can leave a legacy, but it’s all about you and what you want. Of course you can leave and go for trophies in big clubs as well but I think you can create a legacy here in this great club.’
“This was the key message to me and after that conversation I was like ‘okay, it’s all clear for me and I just want to stay’ and that’s it.”
Inter Milan and Barcelona were two clubs heavily linked with him throughout the transfer saga.
“I was thinking about it to tell you the truth because I had good opportunities as well,” he added. “But this feeling to be here – the love from the fans and all the club – I’m not sure that by leaving I will receive the same love, so that’s why I’m staying.
“I’m really proud to be the captain but it’s not the biggest factor to stay. Of course, it’s a great job to do but it was not a part of me staying here.”
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