Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admits Chelsea transfer was 'a f*****g big mistake'

Cameron Smith

13 Nov 2025 12:33 GMT
4 min read

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Chelsea, 2022/23 — © IMAGO

Marseille striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted that his move from Barcelona to Chelsea in 2022 was “a f*****g big mistake.”

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The Gabon international completed a €12 million transfer to the west London giants following an impressive six-month stint at Camp Nou, but he endured a torrid time at the club and his contract was terminated after only one year at Stamford Bridge.

Current ETV

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

F (C)

Marseille

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

F (C)

Marseille

ETV Range

€1.6M - €2.4M

Aubameyang scored just three goals in 21 appearances during his one and only campaign at Chelsea and he was part of the club’s dismal 2022-23 campaign, which culminated in a 12th place finish in the Premier League after four different managers took charge throughout the year.

“That was a big mistake going there. It was a f*****g big mistake,” Aubameyang admitted to Arsenal fan and content creator Troopz.

“At that time I had a bad moment in Barcelona. I had a home break-in and Barca needed to sell a player – me or Memphis Depay – and the only thing that was on the table was Chelsea.

“So I said, “Ok, for my family, I will move away, even if it’s Chelsea.’

“I was thinking maybe it will be okay, Olivier Giroud went from Arsenal to Chelsea and he had no problems, but for me it was different.”

© IMAGO - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined Marseille after leaving Chelsea

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Chelsea

Aubameyang made a total of 163 appearances across a four-year spell at Arsenal, scoring 92 goals, before being forced to leave the club in January 2022 after a bust-up with head coach Mikel Arteta.

His move to London rivals Chelsea unsurprisingly angered Arsenal fans, although he was quickly shipped off as the Blues implemented a new transfer strategy following the failure of Clearlake Capital’s first season as owners.

Fellow summer signing Kalidou Koulibaly was also sold after just one year at Chelsea, while Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka have subsequently departed. Raheem Sterling is expected to follow suit in 2026 after being cast aside by Enzo Maresca.

After leaving Chelsea, Aubameyang found his feet at Marseille and following a one-year spell at Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah, he returned to the Ligue 1 side this summer.

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