Sunday World (South Africa)

Arsenal warned: I’m blue and I’m ready

Warning not well received by his former club

- By Kgomotso Mokoena

The Pierre-emerick Aubameyang element has added a lot of spice and tension ahead of today’s blockbuste­r clash between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Kick-off is at 2pm.

Aubemeyang, who is now playing for Chelsea, will be facing his former Arsenal teammates for the first time since he left the Gunners in controvers­ial fashion in January.

His relationsh­ip with Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was seriously strained after several disciplina­ry breaches.

His departure angered Arteta and supporters. The former Gabon captain was a darling of Arsenal die-hards, hence the huge disappoint­ment when he left the club. He then joined Barcelona before returning to the English Premiershi­p with Chelsea as his new home.

Aubameyang appeared on an advert ahead of today’s encounter and had a warning message for the Gunners: “Arsenal, nothing personal. I’m back, I’m blue, I’m ready.” This was not well-received by his former club.

“When someone makes that decision to move somewhere else, they need to enjoy their profession and he seems to be happy,” Arteta told the Arsenal website.

Regarding Aubameyang’s comments, Arteta said: “You expect players to do that. If you ask any of our players how they feel about where they are, they will say the same. He will be very dangerous. If Auba has something, it’s the ability to put the ball in the back of the net and he’s going to be doing that until the day that he decides he’s had enough of football.

“We just have to play better than them. Earn the right to win, score one more goal and I’m sure we will win the game.”

We just have to play better than them. Earn the right to win*

 ?? /Getty Images ?? Pierre-emerick Aubameyang has threatened the Gunners.
/Getty Images Pierre-emerick Aubameyang has threatened the Gunners.

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