By the time he returned late from a trip abroad in December, Aubameyang had already compiled a whole list of problems off the pitch. When Arteta subsequently removed the armband, the club’s statement made a pointed reference to the 32-year-old’s ‘last’ disciplinary offence.

Aubameyang’s timing has long been a problem, but he’s not the selfish ‘bad boy’ some have portrayed him to be. For many young Arsenal players, he was a source of support and advice.

At other times, however, it could be hard work and unreliable. Readers of Arsenal’s Matchday Program will have seen the club drop their captain’s ratings this season, a decision made out of necessity rather than desire. He was rarely inclined to lead the team in the traditional sense, showing an unwillingness to speak publicly or galvanize his troops. Xhaka and Lacazette are described as more dominant personalities.

During football’s 2020 suspension, it was Hector Bellerin, rather than Aubameyang, who represented the team in meetings with other Premier League captains and in talks with the club over a pay cut.

Along with the off-pitch incidents, Aubameyang’s cause has not been helped by his gradually declining performance. At 32, he no longer possesses the same explosive pace that defined his career. His 15-goal comeback last season was a significant drop from his previous two campaigns: in 2019/20 he netted 29 times. In 2018/19 it was 31.

The great sadness for Arsenal is that, for a short while this season, it seemed like a new and improved Aubameyang had suddenly emerged. His defensive effort had visibly increased and his hold-up game was improving. “I’ve never seen Auba convey what he’s doing now,” Arteta said in late October. The Arsenal manager also spoke of Aubameyang taking on his off-pitch responsibilities with more relish.

Clearly, this was not to last. Aubameyang hasn’t scored since Arteta made the comments and his situation has been made worse by a disastrous Africa Cup of Nations with Gabon. He first caught Covid-19 after he was seen partying in Dubai, then was sent home amid reports of other disciplinary issues (which he denies). Arsenal were left baffled by Gabon’s fears of a possible heart problem, which have since proven to be unfounded.

Rather than providing respite and letting the tension fade, Aubameyang’s Afcon experience appears to have simply widened the cracks. Arteta clearly had enough, and he didn’t even include Aubameyang on their mid-season trip to Dubai. Aubameyang, for his part, was shocked by the severity of his punishment.

In August 2020, after Aubameyang’s goals secured the FA Cup for Arsenal, the forward posted on social media. It was a photo of him with Arteta, arms around each other as they held the trophy together. Aubameyang captioned it with the words: “My manager!” That relationship is now broken and there will be no turning back for a player who was meant to lead the club into a bright new era, but instead leaves it under the darkest clouds.

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Aubameyang posts farewell message to Arsenal fans on Instagram

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed his ‘hurt’ at not being able to say goodbye to Arsenal fans after the club confirmed the termination of his contract ahead of his transfer to Barcelona.

The Spanish giants are yet to officially announce the signing of Aubameyang but his departure from Arsenal is now complete and there is no reason to doubt the move will go ahead.

Aubameyang has not played for Arsenal since being relieved of the captaincy by Mikel Arteta in December and the striker said he was saddened to not be able to help his former teammates in recent weeks.

In a statement on social media, Aubameyang said: “To the fans of Arsenal, thank you for making London my home and my family’s home for the past four years. We have been through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me.

“Having the chance to win trophies and the honor of captaining this club is something I will forever hold in my heart.

“I’ve always been 100 per cent focused and committed to doing everything I can for this club, which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts – but that’s football.

“I’m sad that I haven’t had the chance to help my team-mates over the past few weeks, but I have nothing but respect for this club and really wish all my guys and the fans all the best and many more. years of success in the future!”