Barcelona has seen several talented players come and go in recent periods, often leaving without much resistance or clear reason.
Despite this, Barcelona started the current season in spectacular form, securing victories in their first four league matches and delivering exciting performances that propelled them to the top of the standings.
One of the most notable players to have had a brief but memorable stint at Barcelona is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese forward joined the Catalan club in January 2022 and quickly made a significant impact, becoming a fan favorite almost immediately.
In just 23 appearances across all competitions, Aubameyang scored 13 goals, showcasing his speed, skill, and energy. His presence reinvigorated Barcelona’s attack at a time when the club was going through a challenging phase, playing a crucial role in their push to finish second in La Liga.
However, despite his impressive performances, Aubameyang’s time at Barcelona was short-lived. Just eight months after his arrival, the club’s financial difficulties forced them to sell him to Chelsea.
In a recent interview, Aubameyang spoke candidly about the profound effect his time at Barcelona had on him, both professionally and personally. He also opened up about the struggles he faced before joining the Blaugrana.
“Before signing for Barcelona, I was going through a difficult time,” Aubameyang admitted. “I was dealing with depression due to my father’s health issues, and I started drinking heavily. Barcelona offered me a chance to change my life, and I will always be thankful for that opportunity.”
The Gabonese striker also shared how much he enjoyed his time at the club, stating, “I have never enjoyed playing football and going to training as much as I did at Barcelona.
I even attended training sessions on my days off, which shows just how much I loved being there. It was an incredible experience, and I wish I could have stayed for a few more years.”
Reflecting on his departure, Aubameyang expressed his disappointment, saying, “I hoped President Laporta would give me a better chance to remain at the club, but in the end, he explained that Barcelona’s financial situation did not allow for it, and I was forced to leave. It still pains me to this day.”
Now, Aubameyang plays for Al-Qadisiyah in Saudi Arabia, a move he made this summer in a transfer deal valued at 9 million euros. Despite his new chapter, his fond memories of Barcelona and the impact the club had on his life remain deeply significant to him.
