Aubameyang Looks Back on Chelsea Transfer: It Was a Massive Mistake Joining the Club

Reflection on the Transfer

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the former striker for Arsenal and Chelsea, has expressed his regrets regarding his transfer to Chelsea, describing the decision as a significant error.

Career Transition Attempt

The ex-captain of Arsenal departed from Barcelona with the hope of reuniting with his former manager at Borussia Dortmund, Thomas Tuchel, at Chelsea. Aubameyang believed that returning to the Premier League would help rejuvenate his career.

Performance at Barcelona

During his time at Barcelona, he started in 13 matches and made a total of 17 appearances in La Liga, netting eleven goals and assisting once. However, due to the financial troubles at the club, it became necessary for them to offload players, and Aubameyang’s name was high on the list of those to be sold.

Unexpected Changes

Unfortunately for Aubameyang, Tuchel was let go soon after the forward’s move to West London, making the transfer feel hasty and unwise. In an interview with Canal+, the Gabonese player candidly discussed his feelings about the transition.

I really regret going there. It was an enormous mistake,

Aubameyang stated.

At that time, I was dealing with a difficult situation in Barcelona. Following a break-in at my home, and with Barca needing to sell players — either me or Memphis Depay — the only option presented was Chelsea. So, I decided to move for the sake of my family, even if it meant going to Chelsea…

I thought perhaps it would work out fine; Olivier Giroud transitioned from Arsenal to Chelsea without issues, but my experience turned out to be quite different.

Current Status

Aubameyang is now plying his trade at Marseille after a short stint in Saudi Arabia with Al Qadsiah. Additionally, he continues to lead the Gabon national team, which is striving for qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as his playing career approaches its conclusion at 36 years old.