In a move that could further fuel speculation regarding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future, Margarita Crespo, Aubameyang’s mother, has claimed that she would love to see him in a white Real Madrid jersey.
“He promised his grandfather that he would play for Real Madrid and since he was a little boy he spoke about Madrid and never about Barcelona,” she told Spanish radio sports program El Larguero. “My family have always been Real Madrid and I would like to see him in white.”
Aubameyang has been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid time and again, after his scintillating displays for Dortmund, during which he has scored 99 goals over 160 appearances. He was bought from Ligue 1 club St Etienne for a reported €13 million, however, Dortmund will be looking to make a lot more than that amount if they choose to sell the striker.
The Gabon international has a contract with Dortmund till 2020, but that has not stopped him from openly mentioning his desire to play for Real Madrid.
“My grandfather, the dad of my mum, always wished that I would play in Spain. Two years ago, when he died, I promised him that someday I will play for Real -- and I work hard to reach that goal,” the 27-year old said in an interview.
“Real Madrid is my main goal but at the moment I like it in Dortmund. If there is a chance to go to Madrid, I will say immediately yes but at the moment there is no contact.”
Dortmund boss Tuchel has played down Aubameyang’s open admission of his desire to play for Real Madrid, telling reporters, “That’s just normal.” Speaking before Dortmund’s clash against Real Madrid, he spoke highly of his star striker.
"We can't achieve our goals without Auba. He makes everyone better. He can make the difference in every second," Tuchel said. "That he's so public about his wish to play for Real Madrid is just normal. Everyone has the dream to play for one of the best clubs in the world, and Real are one of them."
Aubameyang has scored 19 goals in 18 appearances this season, averaging a bit more than a goal per game, enviable statistics for any striker. If Real Madrid ever choose to pursue him, they will have to pay a staggering amount of money to convince Dortmund to sell him.
With transfer speculation about Aubameyang’s future mounting every transfer window, it may not be too long before the possibility of him leaving the Westfalenstadion for the Bernebau turns into a reality.