"I wish I could have stayed for more years": Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on his time at Barcelona

Former Barcelona star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang recalled his time playing for the Catalan giants. The 35-year-old thanked the club for giving him a chance when he was at a low phase in his life.

Aubameyang said (via Barca Times):

“Before signing for Barça, I was in depression due to my parents' health and started drinking a lot. Barça gave me a chance and I'll always be grateful."

He continued:

"I’ve never enjoyed playing football and going to training so much. I even went to train with the team on off-days, that should tell you a lot. It was incredible. I wish I could have stayed for more years.”

The Gabonese joined Barcelona in February 2022 for a three-year deal until June 2025. His contract also included an option for departure in June 2023. The striker made 24 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals and one assist. He left the club in the summer of 2022 to join Chelsea.

During his eight-month stint at Barca, Aubameyang helped the club win multiple crucial games. In his only El Clasico appearance, the striker scored a brace and assisted another, leading the Catalan giants to a 4-0 victory against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Since his departure, Aubameyang has fondly recalled his time in Spain, adding that he would love to return to the club someday.

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"I wanted to come back with all my heart": Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on his time at Barcelona

Real Madrid CF v FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander - Source: Getty

In a February 2024 interview with Jijantes FC, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang recalled the fond memories of his time at Barcelona and revealed that he wanted to return. The striker said (via Barca Blaugranes):

“I am very grateful for the love I received from everyone, from the fans and everything. I continue receiving messages from fans. I miss it. I think so, they talked about it a little but in the end it didn’t happen. I don’t know why but it’s life, it’s like that, I wanted to come back with all my heart, because I’m very proud of the eight months I spent here, It was incredible and I wanted to go back.”

Aubameyang mentioned that his return was not possible because of Barca's financial constraints. He added:

“In the end it was an economic problem, Barça needed an option to sell a player and I had this option. That’s why I left. If that was the case, I think I could have stayed a few more years. I have no complaints. It’s life, in the end we spent little time but it was very good and the most important thing is the memory.”

After his departure from Barca, Aubameyang played for Chelsea and Ligue 1 club Marseille. In July 2024, the striker joined the Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah on a two-year contract.