Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reported that he will end his international retirement and rejoin the national team. The Chelsea forward, who could have played for Spain or France earlier in his career, cited President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s request as his reason for coming out of retirement. After retiring last year, he will once again be available for national team games.
Aubameyang has had a strained relationship with the Gabonese Football Association since his debut on the national team in 2009. He had an impressive career for the team and scored 30 goals in 72 appearances before retiring in May of last year.
Gabon is in first place in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group with two games left, and if they beat the Democratic Republic of Congo next month, they will qualify for the finals in Ivory Coast in January. Coach Patrice Neveu welcomed the return of Aubameyang, who is Gabon’s most accomplished player.
On Instagram, Aubameyang stated, “A few days ago I had the immense honour to be received by the President of the Republic (of Gabon) Ali Bongo Ondimba and at the same time listened to the wise words he said to me as a father talking to his son. Following this, I, therefore, put myself at the disposal of my country and of the coach Patrice Neveu.”
The 33-year-old athlete has struggled with his club form of late, making just five Premier League starts and scoring only one goal. He is expected to depart Chelsea after this season and is rumored to be returning to Barcelona, where he began the 2022-23 season.
Despite his limited time playing, Aubameyang will earn a La Liga winners medal from his brief appearances with Barcelona before his transfer to Chelsea.