Aubameyang makes Gabon retirement U-turn to deal blow to Arsenal run-in

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG appears to have shelved retirement plans, with the Arsenal striker joining up with Gabon squad.

Aubameyang – who is joint-second in the race for the Premier League’s golden boot with 17 goals – had sparked talk he would hang up his international boots after missing Gabon’s last two matches against South Sudan and Mali.

At the time, no official reason was given for his absence against South Sudan, although reports had suggested he was unhappy with the travel arrangements.

But it would appear Aubameyang is not ready to turn his back on Gabon just yet and he has been included in coach Daniel Cousin’s 23-man squad to face Burundi on Saturday.

This could have ramifications for Arsenal’s push for a top-four spot as well as their chances of Europa League glory.

Aubameyang has been pivotal so far, netting 22 times in all competitions, but with games coming thick and fast after the international break, he can’t afford to get injured.

Unai Emery and Gunners fans alike will be hoping that Aubameyang comes through unscathed so he is fresh for the business end of the campaign.

AUBAMEYANG DILEMMA

The squad announcement has created some confusion, as Aubameyang recently suggested on French TV show Talents d’Afrique he was thinking of retiring from international football.

He said: “I am thinking hard about retiring from international football.

“I am honestly asking myself that question. Sadly I have come to this point, and I am going to make a decision.

“It could come before or after our next game against Burundi [on March 23].

“Normally I would go if called up, but I am hesitating because I want to make matters improve.

“I would love Gabon to qualify for the African Nations Cup finals. But if things don’t improve I don’t see the point of going.

“I am waiting for changes to be made. We always end up in the same situation on the eve of matches, asking questions we shouldn’t need to ask.

“I want football to become more professional in Gabon. It is what the players deserve. That is what is lacking, and it is the reason why I sometimes don’t turn up to play.

“I am extremely disappointed by the behaviour of certain people – both in the Gabon FA and higher up.”

The qualifier is crucial as the Panthers must win in order to qualify for the Nations Cup finals.

A draw for Burundi, however, will see them reach their first ever Nations Cup finals.

Aubameyang has scored 20 goals in 51 caps for Gabon, but he has played just three times in their past 11 games.