Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has finally sealed his move to Barcelona from Arsenal, bringing the completion of one of the January transfer window's most notable deals two days after the Jan. 31 deadline.
Aubameyang had 18 months left on his contract with the Gunners but hadn't featured since being stripped of the captaincy in early December following a disciplinary issue. With the club willing to let him leave, a mutual agreement was reached to cancel the 32-year-old's contract (at a reported cost of £7 million) in order to allow him to join Barca on a free.
The Gabon international posted a farewell message on Instagram on Tuesday thanking Arsenal for the past four years and also lamenting the fact that he wasn't able to say a proper goodbye.
- ESPN+ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (U.S.)
- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
- Don't have ESPN? Get instant access
"We went through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me. Having the chance to win trophies and the honour of being the captain of this club is something I will forever keep in my heart. I have always been 100 per cent focused and committed on doing everything I can for this club which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts - but that is football."
View this post on Instagram
On Wednesday, Aubameyang was formally announced as a Barcelona player with an illustration that came without anything in the way of context. The striker signed a 3½-year contract with the club, the terms including an option for a mutual departure in 2023 as well as a â¬100m buyout clause.