‘Aubameyang’s a gift from heaven’ – Barcelona boss Xavi lauds ‘example’ striker in veiled swipe at Arsenal after axe
BARCELONA boss Xavi Hernandez has described new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a ‘gift from heaven’.
He joined Barca on January’s transfer deadline day when Arsenal agreed to terminate his contract after a public fallout with manager Mikel Arteta.
Aubameyang was on the scoresheet for Barcelona in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Osasuna.
And afterwards Xavi said: “Well, Auba has been a brilliant gift fallen from the sky for us because he’s very positive.
“He reacted very well in the dressing room. He’s adapted quickly to what the terms needs and the circumstances we are in.
“He finds space in behind, he can create chances, he scores goals. He works hard for the team.
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“He pushes the centre backs and the goalkeeper, so it’s a privilege to manage him and we know he’s got a lot of goals to give the team.
“I’m very pleased with him individually because he’s an example to follow in training and everyone in the squad.”
The striker has regained his goalscoring prowess with five goals in six LaLiga matches with the Blaugrana – something no one has done since Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2009.
The Gabon international has also matched the same record as other Barcelona legends, such as Ronaldo, Romario and Johan Cruyff.
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The 32-year-old has played a huge part in the Catalan giants’ sudden rejuvenation with a total of six goals in nine matches across all competitions.
And his latest strike came after Arsenal fan and SunSport columnist Piers Morgan slammed the North Londoners for letting Aubameyang go.
Morgan tweeted: “Arsenal fans have spent the past 2 hours gloating about why we’re so much better without Aubameyang and they’re so glad he’s gone.
“Meanwhile, he just scored his 6th goal in 9 games for Barcelona, which includes 5 goals in 6 LaLiga games. I miss you @Auba.”
Aubameyang caught wind of Morgan’s tweet and responded by suggesting his separation from the club was necessary for everyone’s benefit.