PEP’S BOOZE BAN IF CITY LIFT TROPHY
PROBABLE TEAMS
where you come from and where your roots are – the rest is a big bonus.”
Having signed a reported £180,000-a-week contract when he joined Arsenal from Dortmund – where he scored 141 goals in 213 games - the French-born striker can easily fund a lavish lifestyle.
But growing up it wasn’t the riches that attracted him to football, just the pure joy of playing – and the ambition of following his father Pierre into the professional game.
Aubameyang recalled: “When I was kid I would go to the stadium to watch my dad Pierre play when he was at Le Havre, Toulouse, Nice and Rouen. It was incredible. After his matches I would play on my own in the living room.
“I’d mimic the fans and then give interviews just like I do today! I am living my childhood dream. I think that is something magnificent for a child like me.”
For those around him as a youngster, there were never any doubts Aubameyang would be a star.
Clarisse Guinoiseau, his first junior coach, in his hometown of Laval, said: “He made us laugh with his somersaults, just like he does now on TV.
“He scored lots of goals and it normally there is no alcohol.” And the City boss is set to defy the FA by continuing to wear a yellow ribbon in support of Catalan independence.
Guardiola risks being hit by a touchline ban after being charged by disciplinary chiefs for breaking regulations that outlaw players and officials wearing items of clothing that carry a political message.
But Sunday Mirror Sport understands that Guardiola is committed to keep the symbol pinned to his breast when he leads City out to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup Final.
Guardiola, a fierce believer in Catalan self-determination, has been wearing the ribbon since November to show his support for two jailed politicians in his homeland.
He has insisted that even the threat of a ban will not force him to back down. And City have been given a boost by the return to fitness of Gabriel Jesus after almost two months out with a knee injury.
Jesus (below) was not expected back for at least another two weeks after suffering ligament damage at Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day.
But he is back in full training and is now ready to take a place on the bench.
With Leroy Sane (above) also back in action after making a rapid recovery from an ankle injury, the Blues will only be without the suspended Fabian Delph.
Guardiola confirmed: “I think they will be ready to play. They will be ready and was a joy to watch him. He was so much better than the others. He always had a ball with him and was playing football – the ball was his best friend. “But he always kept his feet on the ground. He’s the person he always was. What did I teach him? I think I taught him to stay modest, to stay true to himself and remember where he came from.” Guinoiseau’s son Rudi was Aubameyang’s close friend and said: “If we were going for sweets or to the baker he had his ball with him. He was so passionate about football. I mean, I loved the game, but his fit. Gabriel has the right mentality and he is strong and is a guy who will be ready.
“Leroy is also young and strong and he came back early, but he’s not yet fully fit. You saw his movements in the games are not top, but it’s normal.” City have taken seven Premier League points from three games against Arsenal under Guardiola.
But it was Arsene Wenger who emerged triumphant when the two teams met in last season’s FA Cup semi-final, winning 2-1 after extra time.
City left Wembley furious that a goal was incorrectly disallowed at 0-0 when a cross from Sane was adjudged to have gone out of play.
Craig Pawson was the referee that day – and the Yorkshireman will once again take charge of today’s Wembley showpiece.
Guardiola has urged his players to conquer any nerves by attacking the occasion.
He said: “In your first final you are more nervous than the next one. So I try to tell the players to try to play it more like a friendly game and to be more calm.
“But you also need more courage. This is a big chance. I think it’s a game we have to try to enjoy the most because it’s a final.
“We are here to play these types of game, so why to be nervous? Why to worry about win win win? It’s just a game.
“Just have no regrets after the game. It’s too late for ‘I didn’t do what I should do’ because it’s a final. “It’s good for our fans and the fans of Arsenal to be there and it’s a success already to be there. Now to try to win.” passion even as kids was on another level.”
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Aubameyang, who at one stage saw his blistering pace disappear.
He is rumoured to be even faster over 30 metres than Usain Bolt, having once clocked 3.7sec for the distance. But as a teenager he struggled to retain his greatest weapon.
“When I was younger there were times when I lost my pace as I was having growth spurts,” Aubameyang told Kick Off in Germany.
“But I got my pace back. I wanted to be like my dad, he played for Gabon and he even captained the side and I have done the same.” Even today his father – who played 80 times for Gabon – is a key figure in his life and was a visible presence as he signed for Arsenal.
Pierre Snr (left) said: “I think my own career was very present in his development. He listened to my advice as a footballer.”
And Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is hoping Auba will fire them to his first League Cup victory.
He said: “He was not at his best physically and we have taken advantage of the last two weeks to build him up.
“He is sharper and our target will be to find him two or three times in each half in dangerous positions.”