Ex-Dortmund coach reveals how Aubameyang forced through a move to Arsenal
Former Borussia Dortmund coach Peter Stöger has looked back at the turbulent time when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang forced through a move to Arsenal.
Ex-Dortmund coach Peter Stöger only worked together with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for about a month last season before the Gabonese striker left Signal Iduna Park to join Arsenal in a €64 million deal in January 2018.
Nevertheless, Aubameyang, who desperately wanted to complete a move to London at the time, made a lasting impression on Stöger who suspended the striker twice for disciplinary reasons.
"He left me no other choice. He trained well four days of the week. But to underline his wish for a transfer, he skipped team meetings before games or refused to run during the final training. We did our best to keep him for at least another half a year, but 'Auba' wasn't ready for that," Stöger told Sport Bild.
Despite their clashes, Stöger says he doesn't hold a grudge against Aubameyang.
"Honestly, I got along well with him although he kept me pretty busy for four weeks. But 'Auba' personally apologized to me before joining Arsenal. He told me that his behaviour had nothing to do with my person and that he had felt my support," Stöger said.
Stöger served as Borussia Dortmund's head coach from the 10th of December 2017 until the end of last season.