Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s dad gives brutal assessment of son’s ‘nightmare’ Chelsea spell after striker joins Marseille
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG’S dad has opened up about his son’s “nightmare” stint at Chelsea.
The Gabon captain, 34, was reunited with manager Thomas Tuchel when he arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer.
But Tuchel was then sacked a handful of games into the campaign, before Aubameyang went on to register just three goals and one assist in 21 appearances.
He had also suffered personal turmoil in Barcelona shortly before signing for Chelsea when he was beaten and robbed at his home.
Now, after joining Marseille on a free transfer, Aubameyang’s dad, Pierre-Francois, has detailed the horror year his son experienced.
Speaking to L’Equipe, he said: “His jaw was broken by robbers at his home in Barcelona while trying to protect his wife and children.
“At Chelsea, he played with a mask at the start. It could only be a nightmare year.
“Now it’s over. He has a smile. He knows that I’m seeing the light again because I can walk and run since my last operation.
“And he’s signing for [Marseille]. It is a big relief after the nightmare year that he experienced.”
Aubameyang’s move to Marseille comes after he also received interest from Saudi Arabia – where many of Chelsea’s stars have moved to during the summer window.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
But Pierre-Francois insists the prestige of playing for the French giants was what made up his son’s mind.
He added: “There was contact with Saudi Arabia, but when [Marseille] come forward… who hasn’t dreamed of playing for this club? Especially in Africa.
“I keep receiving messages from back home.”
Aubameyang will now become the French side’s main attacking threat, starring alongside former Arsenal teammates Alexis Sanchez and Matteo Guendouzi.
And he will be hoping to return to old ways in front of goal following a strange 18 months.
Before Chelsea, Aubameyang spent six months at Barcelona after being axed as Arsenal captain by Mikel Arteta.
He netted 13 times in 24 games for the Spaniards.
And his 92 goals for Arsenal and 141 strikes for Borussia Dortmund are sure to inspire faith at the Stade Velodrome, with Marseille hoping to improve on last season’s third-place finish.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football