AUB FEELS THE LOVE
Gunners rally to ease striker’s personal pain
MIKEL ARTETA has revealed how the support of the Arsenal dressing room helped Pierre-emerick Aubameyang get through one of the toughest moments of his career.
Aubameyang, 31, is ready to return to the starting line-up at Aston Villa today having missed three games after travelling to be with his seriously ill mother in France.
The Gunners captain was a sub at Wolves in midweek after taking part in just one training session.
And he is desperate to return to the starting line-up to repay the faith and love shown by his team-mates and Arsenal fans on social media.
Aubameyang has had a difficult, stopstart season, making it even tougher to miss key games.
But Arteta said the support shown with every goal celebration and every message revealed just how he is viewed at the club.
The Arsenal manager said: “It shows the spirit around the dressing room and how much we care for each other.
“When things are difficult and you are away from that place, you think, ‘Are they thinking of me? Are they supporting me?’ And the answer is a big, ‘Yes.’
“He’s a player that is very much liked and respected because of his character and for what he’s done at the club. He totally deserved that support.
“Individually for him it’s been tough because when you see a member of your family suffering and going through a difficult period, it drains you emotionally and you have to be close to them.
“And I think he made the right decision to be next to them. But he wants to be here, to be training, he doesn’t want to miss games.
“You know Auba. He wants to play every minute of every competition.”
Aubameyang has struggled in front of goal this season, yet Arteta has not lost faith in him.
The Spaniard said: “Every player needs confidence.
“His ability to produce the big moments is unique and he’s got that ability.”