Former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has openly described his 2022 transfer to Chelsea as a 'f****** big mistake', revealing the traumatic personal circumstances that led to his ill-fated move across London.
The Promise That Vanished
Aubameyang's shock return to the Premier League with Chelsea in the summer of 2022 was meant to be a reunion with his former Borussia Dortmund manager, Thomas Tuchel. However, in a cruel twist of fate, Tuchel was sacked by the club just days after the Gabon international's arrival, leaving the striker under the management of Graham Potter for the majority of his troubled stint.
'That was a big mistake going there,' Aubameyang stated in a candid conversation with Arsenal content creator Troopz. 'It was a f****** big mistake.' The veteran forward explained that his decision was born from desperation. He was enduring a difficult period at Barcelona, which was tragically compounded by a violent home invasion.
A Decision Forced by Trauma
The attack on his family home in Castelldefels saw four intruders break in, threaten him and his wife with a gun, and beat him, resulting in a broken jaw. The assailants stole jewellery, watches, and a car. This horrific event coincided with Barcelona's need to sell a player, with the club choosing between him and Memphis Depay.
'The only thing that was on the table was Chelsea,' Aubameyang revealed. 'So I said, "OK, for my family, I will move away, even if it's Chelsea."' He admitted he had hoped to emulate the seamless transition made by former Gunner Olivier Giroud, but his experience was starkly different.
The psychological impact of the burglary was severe. Aubameyang shared that he suffered from insomnia and nightmares, leaving him unable to perform at his best on the pitch. 'Every time the kids are alone, they are scared,' he added, highlighting the lasting trauma for his entire family.
A Torrid Season and a Fresh Start
His season at Stamford Bridge was a profound disappointment. Aubameyang scored just three goals in 21 appearances across all competitions, a poor return for a player of his calibre. His struggle mirrored that of the club itself, which faltered under new ownership after Roman Abramovich's sale.
After one challenging season, Aubameyang moved on, first to Marseille and later having a brief spell in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Qadsiah. His time in west London remains a chapter he clearly wishes he could rewrite, a period defined by personal anguish and professional frustration.
