Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has confirmed that his international career with Gabon has come to an end.
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Despite playing for the French national team at U21 level, the forward followed in his father's footsteps by representing the Panthers at senior level and would go on to captain the team.
The Barcelona man earned 63 caps playing for the West African side and found the back of the net on 29 different occasions during his 13 years playing for the Gabon national team.
The Gabonese Football Federation has now released an official statement confirming Aubameyang's intention to retire from international football.
"The captain of the Panthers will no longer be with the national team for the next qualifiers, the final phase of which is scheduled in Cote d'Ivoire. The FC Barcelona striker has decided to end his international career and sent a letter to the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) on May 17, 2022," the statement read.
The striker himself said: "After 13 years of pride in representing my country, I announce that I am ending my international career," the 32-year-old wrote in an open letter to Gabon fans.
"I would like to thank the Gabonese people and all those who have supported me in the good like the bad times.
"I will keep a lot of good memories like the day I made my debut at romnisports, or the day I came back from Nigeria with the African Ballon d'Or.
"Sharing it with all the people was an unforgettable moment. I thank our President, his Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba who has always supported the Panthers and has always worked for football to evolve in our country.
"I would also like to thank all my coaches, staff and the players that I have come across during this career.
"Finally, I thank my father who gave me the desire to do like him, hoping to have made him proud by wearing our colours," as per the Mirror.
His career with Gabon came to an acrimonious end when he tested positive for COVID-19 right before, and then reportedly suffered cardiac issues at, the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon earlier this year, before being sent home along with Mario Lemina, with reports suggesting the pair were sent packing for disciplinary reasons.
Since then, though, the 32-year-old has recaptured his best form, having left Arsenal to join Xavi Hernandez at the Camp Nou on January's deadline day and scored 13 goals in 22 matches for the Catalan giants since.
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