‘I see myself as the solution and not the problem’ – Mikel Arteta hits back at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta has hit back Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, insisting that he was the solution rather than the problem following a riff that resulted in the Gabonese striker leaving the club. 

Arsenal mutually agreed to terminate Aubameyang’s contract allowing him to join Barcelona on a free transfer last week.

That decision came after Aubameyang was stripped of the captaincy and frozen out by Arteta after a breach of discipline last month.

Explaining his Arsenal exit at his Barcelona unveiling Aubameyang said: ‘I think it was a problem just with him [Arteta]. He made the decision. I can’t say much more. He wasn’t happy, I stayed very calm and that’s it.’

Speaking for the first time since Aubameyang’s departure, Arteta said: ‘I’m extremely grateful for what Aubameyang has done at the club and his contribution since I have been here and the way I see myself in that relationship is the solution not the problem.

‘I have been the solution. One hundred per cent. I can look in the eye of everyone. I do a lot of things wrong for sure but the intention all the time is the best and not for me, it’s for the club and the team.’