He could have left in silence, close the Marseille chapter without turning around. And yet he comes back. A counter-current of modern football, a well-known figure in the velodrome is preparing to make a strong choice. His return, announced with discretion, intrigues as much as he seduces. Not for the promise of a status or a salary, but for an almost sentimental commitment. In Marseille, some are already talking about a “rare gesture” in today's football.
A return to OM above all emotional
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 36, will return to OM. The announcement surprised, but it is above all the context that captivates. The Gabonese striker, still under juicy contract in Saudi Arabia, would have agreed to break his contract to find the fervor of the velodrome. According to several sources, he would not claim any privilege: neither an armband, nor status, nor mirobal wages. He would be satisfied with a lining role behind Amine Gouiri. A posture that few stars of his scope would accept, especially at the end of their careers.
A choice that speaks volumes about the attachment of Aubameyang to Marseille. In one season, he had left a lively imprint with 30 goals in all competitions. But beyond the figures, it was the bond woven with the public that had marked it. His departure, despite the tributes, had left a taste of unfinished. Today, his return is more in an emotional than sporting logic. The man seems to want to return what the club gave him.
Aubameyang ready to come backā¦ without guarantees of playing time
A strong gesture that says a lot
For Roberto de Zerbi, it is a reinforcement as human as it is technical. The Olympian coach sees in Aubameyang a figure capable of carrying the locker room, without weighing on collective dynamics. At a time when OM is looking to build a balanced project, between youth and experience, this arrival checks all the boxes. The former Arsenal goalscorer does not come to shine at all costs, but to serve a cause which he deems greater than him.
It remains to formalize the signature. But the message has already passed: some players are ready to make real sacrifices for their heart clubs. In a transfer window often dominated by escalation and egos, this return of Aubameyang looks like breathing. And in Marseille, she is already perceived as a more sincere promise of tomorrow.
