Aubameyang’s new Sh52m smile per week
Football
By
AFP
| Sep 17, 2020
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vowed to become an Arsenal “legend” as the Gunners captain ended speculation over his future by signing a new three-year contract worth over Sh52.7m per-week on Tuesday.
Aubameyang’s contract saga had dragged on since last season amid speculation he wanted to join a club in the Champions League.
According to Sports Bible and The Sun Aubameyang’s new Arsenal contract has made him the highest-paid player in the Premier League.
The 31-year-old was previously on £200,000-per-week but his new contract will see that rise to £375,000 (Sh49.2m)-per-week.
SunSport have revealed the Gabonese international has overtaken teammate Mesut Ozil on the rich list, who earns £350,000-per-week.
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The Gabon forward revealed he had committed his future to Arsenal in a live Instagram stream from the Emirates Stadium.
“Arsenal fans, finally as you know I just signed the thing,” Aubameyang said.
Arsenal confirmed the news themselves on their website in a statement that said: “Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has signed a new three-year contract with us!”
After scoring the goals that fired Arsenal to last season’s surprise FA Cup semi-final and final victories over Manchester City and Chelsea, Aubameyang had refused to confirm he wanted to stay at the north London club.
At one stage last term, the 31-year-old admitted he faced a big decision over his future, fuelling reports that he was ready to leave amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
But Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained confident Aubameyang was happy at the club and wanted to stay.
Over 100,000 people were watching the announcement via the official Arsenal Instagram account as Aubameyang pledged to follow in the footsteps of Gunners greats like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Ian Wright.
“Everybody knows how special this club is, I have seen incredible players, passionate players, Invincible players,” Aubameyang said.
“I dream of being one of them, amongst the best, and staying in the hearts of the fans forever.
“I want to become an Arsenal legend just like Thierry, Wrighty, Adams and Bergkamp - too many to mention.
“My dad is my biggest inspiration, he was captain of his club and his country so it means so much to me to be the captain of this special club.
“I want to leave a legacy, this is where I belong, this is my family.”
Aubameyang was joined on the call by Wright and his current team-mate Alexandre Lacazette, who praised both his decision to sign the contract.
“Thank you for signing. Others have left us in the past but you stayed when we needed you most,” Wright said. Aubameyang wants to win more silverware.