Welcomed as a hero in Marignane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang faced the press this Friday, 48 hours after his arrival. If he said “Eternally grateful”
For a welcome that exceeded his expectations, his first press conference was above all an opportunity to lay the foundations for his return. Far from the clichés on his year in Saudi Arabia, the Gabonese striker delivered a clear, determined speech, and sent a direct message to those who doubt his current level.
“The field will speak”: a response to doubts about its form
The main question concerned his state of form after a season in a Saudi championship deemed less competitive. Aubameyang swept away the doubts without detour. “I have a full season in Saudi Arabia in the legs”,
he recalled, before concluding with a promise: “I am ready anyway. The field is there and that's what will speak. »» Regarding his physical qualities, he wanted to be just as reassuring: “What I lost?” I don't know … speed is still there. »» A way of closing the debate by referring the verdict to the only justice of the peace: competition.
The choice of emotion, the influence of Zerbi
This return to Europe is no coincidence, but an assumed choice, guided by affect. The striker confirmed that he refused “very large AS offers and other countries in the Middle East”. Its justification is clear: “I have experienced extremely strong things here. These are things that cannot be bought. I need that, to find this audience that gives emotions, chills. »» This choice of heart was reinforced by a man: Roberto de Zerbi. “” He was one of the criteria, “ admitted Aubameyang, revealing that the Italian coach, who did not want to see him leave, did not “Not released” and has it “Not badly chased”
to convince him.
Aubameyang returns to OM to win and silence criticism
A competitor ready to integrate and fight
Far from the image of a star arriving in conquered terrain, Aubameyang insisted on his role at the service of the collective. “The idea is to bring my experience, to play my football. I am flexible, “He said, saying he is ready to evolve in the axis or on the wings. Accustomed to competition, he recalled his past experiences in Saint-Etienne with Brandão or Arsenal with Lacazette, explaining that it always has it
“Boosted”. “I am especially here to help the club progress,” he concluded on this point.
Clear ambitions: compete and go further
The scorer is already projects on the objectives of the season, with a renewed ambition. Taking up the words of his coach, he said he wanted “Rivalize with the best and aim higher”,
Designating PSG without appointing it as the reference to compete. There is, by his own admission, “A revengeful side” in this return to Marseille, and a clear desire to go “As far as possible” in the Champions League. The message has passed. The answer, now, is expected in the field.
