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Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

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Player released by Arsenal in 2022 has just equalled a European record

Billy Meyers
Billy Meyers

Arsenal have made great strides since releasing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back in February 2022.

Mikel Arteta took the Gunners within touching distance of the Premier League title last season – and has Arsenal involved in a title race once again this term.

However, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also now started to find his feet, having endured a tough time in the aftermath of his release from Arsenal…

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equals European record

Well, the Gabon international spent time at Barcelona and Chelsea after leaving Arsenal.

Aubameyang endured a rough time in west London, scoring just goals in 21 appearances as he was mostly overlooked by Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.

Now – however – the man from Laval has found some rhythm again after joining Marseille in July 2023.

Aubameyang has scored goals in 31 appearances for the French giants, and his strike in Thursday’s 2-2 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk saw him equal Radamel Falcao’s record of 30 UEFA Europa League goals.

FC Shakhtar Donetsk v Olympique de Marseille: Round of 16 First Leg - UEFA Europa League 2023/24
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

No player in history has scored more goals in the competition than Aubameyang – who Eddie Nketiah said he misses – and Falcao.

Whatever you think of the 34-year-old following his release at Arsenal, it is nice to see him enjoying his football again following a difficult two years.

Why Arsenal released Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Arsenal ripped up Aubameyang’s contract back in February 2022 – as aforesaid – but why did it happen?

Well – according to – Arteta felt the striker’s attitude was a threat to the cultural reset the Spaniard was trying to implement at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal 1st Team Squad Shoot 2021-22
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The 41-year-old certainly had a clear plan of how his squad should look, as the likes of Sead Kolasinac, Mesut Ozil and Shkodran Mustafi also saw their contracts terminated around the same time period.

These were all bold moves from Arteta at the time, but nobody can say it hasn’t paid off for Arsenal.