Furious ex-Arsenal star Aubameyang announces retirement: 'They humiliated me!'

2 Sept 2026 18:55 BST | 4 min read

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Deportivo La Coruna, 2026/27 — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

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Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may be enjoying a career renaissance at Deportivo A Coruna, but he will no longer suit up for his country.

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The former Gabon international has announced his international retirement, and he didn't mince words. In a TV interview, Aubameyang made it clear that he no longer had any interest in playing for the Panthers after being "humiliated" in the wake of the Africa Cup of Nations.

"They humiliated me and tarnished my image when I had played at AFCON while injured," the 37-year-old bluntly explained. "It was the last straw, and I’d rather leave it there."

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

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Deportivo

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

F (C)

Deportivo

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€1.5M - €2.2M

Gabon endured a disappointing AFCON in the winter and exited the tournament in the group stage after losing to Cameroon, Mozambique and the Ivory Coast. The fallout of this disastrous performance was massive and sparked government interference.

The entire national team was suspended by the Brice Oligui Nguema administration and head coach Thierry Mouyouma sacked. Aubameyang, his nation's all-time top scorer, and captain Bruno Ecuele Manga were banned by the minister of sport.

Aubameyang leads Depor's revival

Although Aubameyang's ban was eventually lifted, he evidently no longer wants to be part of the team, now led by Sebastien Migne. This allows him to fully focus on his new club team, Deportivo A Coruna, where he is enjoying a remarkable run of form.

One of LaLiga's most iconic clubs, Depor are back in the top flight for the first time in eight years - and they are back with a bang. Thanks to improved revenues, promoted Spanish clubs are increasingly competitive in the transfer market and can attract high-profile players.

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— TGZ0031 (@TGZ0031) August 30, 2026

Depor, for example, have been able to stock up their squad with proven top-flight experience in their bid for survival. In addition to former Barcelona striker Aubameyang, the Galician outfit have also added Marc Casado, Jose Maria Gimenez, Angelino and Adama Traore.

Furthermore, they have spent sizeable fees on goalkeeper Leo Roman, young Bayern attacker Jonathan Asp Jensen and Polish centre-back prospect Bright Ede, while only raising €500,000 in sales.

Deportivo are currently eighth in LaLiga, one spot above fellow promoted side Racing Santander, after going their first three games of the campaign unbeaten, winning once and drawing twice.

Remarkably, Aubameyang has scored in all three games and seems to be ageing like a fine wine. The 37-year-old is leading the revival of the one-time LaLiga champions.