African superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has spoken for the first time since departing Arsenal following a fallout with manager Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners confirmed the 32-year-old's exit on Tuesday night, with the Gabon international expected to join Barcelona in the coming days.
Aubameyang had flown to Spain on deadline day to hold talks with the Catalan club, and has already been spotted training with the Blaugrana ahead of his official signing announcement.
Despite leaving with a healthy goal contribution of 92 strikes in 163 games, the ex-Borussia Dortmund striker leaves Arsenal after being exiled from the first team due to apparent disciplinary issues.
The controversy surrounding him continued into the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, from where he was reportedly sent home due to health problems, only for it later be said that he and teammate Mario Lemina had been booted from the squad for partying before their first game of the tournament.
With his exit from the London giants now confirmed, Aubameyang has thanked the club's fans for the memories they made together, but admitted he was "sad" to not have been able to play in recent times.
"To the Arsenal fans," he wrote in an Instagram message, according to the Daily Star.
"Thank you for making London home for myself and my family for the past four years. We went through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me.
"Having the chance to win trophies and the honour of being the captain of this club is something I will forever keep in my heart.
"I have always been 100% focused and committed on doing everything I can for this club which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts – but that is football.
"I'm sad I did not get the chance to help my teammates in the last few weeks, but I have nothing but respect for this club and truly wish all my guys and the fans all the best and many successful years in the future!
"Love, Auba."
