“I Asked Mikel Arteta for Help – He Destroyed My Arsenal Career Instead”

Mikel Arteta’s reign as Arsenal manager has been characterized by his transformative vision, rebuilding the squad and instilling a culture of discipline and accountability. However, not all players have flourished under his leadership, and perhaps the most contentious fallout during his tenure was with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, once the talismanic striker and captain of the Gunners.

Aubameyang joined Arsenal in January 2018 and quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most lethal forwards. With his blistering pace and clinical finishing, he became the face of Arsenal’s attack, scoring 10 goals in just 13 league games in his debut season under Arsène Wenger. Yet, his remarkable rise at the club eventually came to an abrupt and acrimonious end.

The Early Success

During Unai Emery’s time at Arsenal, Aubameyang thrived, finishing as the Premier League’s joint-top scorer with 22 goals in the 2018/19 season. When Arteta took over in December 2019, Aubameyang initially remained integral to the team, delivering standout performances in the 2020 FA Cup campaign. His two goals in the final against Chelsea were pivotal in securing Arsenal’s first major silverware under Arteta.

The Turning Point

Despite his early success under Arteta, cracks began to form in their relationship. Aubameyang’s late return from a sanctioned trip to visit his ill mother in late 2021 marked the beginning of the end. Speaking out about the incident, Aubameyang shared, “I needed support during one of the toughest times in my life. Instead, I was met with criticism and accusations.”

The striker admitted that he returned to London a day later than agreed but emphasized that it was due to circumstances beyond his control. “My mother was unwell, and I prioritized her health. I expected empathy and understanding from my manager, but instead, he accused me of betraying the team.”

A Rift Beyond Repair

Arteta’s response to Aubameyang’s tardiness was uncompromising. The forward was dropped from the squad, with the manager publicly citing disciplinary reasons. Aubameyang revealed that after a team meeting, Arteta berated him privately. “He pulled me aside and started shouting. He told me I had disrespected him, the club, and my teammates. But I couldn’t apologize for being there for my family.”

This wasn’t the first disciplinary issue involving Aubameyang. Earlier in 2021, he had been dropped from a north London derby for arriving late. While he took responsibility for that lapse, he felt the handling of his mother’s illness crossed a line. “There’s a difference between holding someone accountable and failing to understand their humanity,” Aubameyang reflected.

From Captain to Outcast

By December 2021, the situation had reached a breaking point. Aubameyang was stripped of the captaincy, a decision that divided fans and pundits alike. The following month, his contract was terminated by mutual consent, and he joined Barcelona on a free transfer.

For Aubameyang, the fallout marked a bitter end to what could have been a legendary Arsenal career. “I gave everything to the club, but in the end, I felt betrayed. I turned to Arteta for help, and instead, he ended my time at Arsenal,” he lamented.

A Manager’s Perspective

Arteta has defended his decision to part ways with Aubameyang, citing the need to maintain discipline and uphold the team’s values. “It’s never easy to make such decisions, especially with a player of his caliber. But the culture of the club comes first,” Arteta said at the time.

While Arteta’s approach has brought stability and long-term success to Arsenal, including their emergence as title contenders, the handling of Aubameyang’s exit remains a contentious chapter in his tenure.

Divided Opinions

Fans continue to debate whether Arteta’s tough stance was justified. Some believe it set the tone for a more disciplined and focused squad, while others argue that it came at the cost of losing one of the Premier League’s best forwards.

“He was our captain and our star player. Arteta should have found a way to work things out,” one fan tweeted. Others countered, “No player is bigger than the club. Arteta made the right call for the long-term future of Arsenal.”

Aubameyang’s Post-Arsenal Journey

At Barcelona, Aubameyang rediscovered his form, scoring 13 goals in 23 appearances during the second half of the 2021/22 season. However, his stint at the Camp Nou was short-lived, as financial issues forced the Catalan club to sell him to Chelsea in the summer of 2022.

His time at Chelsea has been underwhelming, leading many to wonder if the fallout with Arteta marked the beginning of the decline of a once-great striker.

Legacy and Lessons

For Aubameyang, his Arsenal career remains a tale of two halves—unforgettable highs and a bitterly disappointing conclusion. Reflecting on his time at the club, he remarked, “I’ll always cherish the memories I made with Arsenal fans. But the way it ended? That will always hurt.”

Meanwhile, Arteta’s leadership style continues to shape Arsenal’s identity. While his decisions have not always been popular, they have undeniably transformed the club into serious contenders for major honors.

A Relationship That Defined an Era

The fallout between Arteta and Aubameyang symbolizes the challenges of managing a modern football club. Balancing discipline with empathy, authority with understanding, is no easy task. For Arsenal, the decision to move on from their former captain may have been necessary, but it came at a significant emotional cost.

As Aubameyang’s career winds down, the question remains: Was his departure a necessary sacrifice for Arsenal’s resurgence, or a harsh misstep in Arteta’s quest for control? For now, both player and manager continue on their separate paths, their tumultuous relationship etched into Arsenal’s history.