Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened up on how he was once courted by Tottenham and revealed why he is always extra-motivated to play against them.
After scoring in the North London Derby, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did a sliding celebration in front of the Tottenham fans, revealing something about himself. The Gabonese striker always looks pumped-up when facing Spurs and has achieved a fair amount of success against them over the years.
In fact, Spurs are Aubameyang’s third favourite team behind Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt he loves to score against. He has eight goals in all competitions against them right from his time at Borussia Dortmund. He will have another opportunity to bolster his tally against them when they meet in the league again this season.
The north London Derby also sparked the striker back to form this season after he started the campaign badly due to a loss of form and Covid-19. Aubameyang revealed how he led the group into private talks after the Manchester City defeat, with Arsenal yet to lose a game since.
Aubameyang and strike partner Alexandre Lacazette have been tasked with a different role to lead the line as a front two. Their performances led to Mikel Arteta praising their leadership in the team, as the Gunners remain unbeaten in eight Premier League games.
The Gabonese star has revealed how he once held talks with Arsenal’s rivals Spurs over a move. His comments appeared on Goal.com via Sky Sports, as Aubameyang opened up on the failed move and why he always seems extra motivated to play against Tottenham.
The conversation started when he was asked if he’d join Tottenham or retire. Aubameyang said, “You don’t need to ask the question, you know it [the answer] already, I would retire. Even more because I don’t know if you know, but a few years ago, I was close to signing for Tottenham, and at the end, I don’t know what they did. So, I would retire for sure.
“I was in St-Etienne, I think [at the time], I’m not sure, or at the beginning of Dortmund. I don’t remember exactly. I came here, I went to the stadium as well to White Hart Lane. The day after they just never gave an answer, they never called back so I was like: ‘Ok, don’t worry’, so that’s why every time I play against them, they know [why I am extra motivated]”
Arsenal return to action at the weekend after the international break as they make a difficult trip to Anfield. Arteta will be hoping Aubameyang & co. retain their recent good form ahead of the Liverpool clash, as they aim to continue their unbeaten run in all competitions.