Mikel Arteta says Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was convinced to stay at Arsenal because the Gunners have an incredible project in the works.
After months of uncertainty, Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finally ‘signed da ting’ earlier this week.
The 31-year-old penned a new three-year deal that would see him remain at the club until 2023. It was a lucrative contract that also saw him take over from Mesut Ozil as the Gunners’ most paid player.
Prior to the contract decision, Mikel Arteta was always confident about Aubameyang staying put at the club.
More than once, the Spanish manager was positive their star forward will put pen to paper for a new deal.
Now the whole saga is done and dusted, Mikel Arteta shed more light on what convinced Aubameyang to extend his contract.
“I think a big reason why Auba is staying is because we have an incredible football team,” Arteta said to the Arsenal official website.
“We have some fantastic people working here and he feels the love from the fans.”
“I did my part, explaining to him what we are trying to do, explaining to him how important he is going to be, what we are building. That’s it. The club has to take credit for that and all the people who put together this package for him to stay.”
Aubameyang also snubbed offers from Barcelona and Inter to sign a new deal with the club. Arteta claims Arsenal have as big a reputation as the aforementioned clubs.
“The size of our club is as big as those names. The most important thing is the football club. What we inspire to be, and what we can achieve in the future.”
“We must make sure that our players believe in our project.”
Aubameyang started the season in fine form with a brilliant goal over Fulham on opening day last weekend.
The Gunners take on West Ham this Saturday and the Gabonese will no doubt be looking to add to his account.
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