Full Breakdown
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Regretful Transfer to Chelsea: A Candid Reflection
11/14/2025, 2:16:36 PM
Overview of the Transfer Decision
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's move to Chelsea in the summer of 2022 has been characterized by regret and disappointment. The transfer occurred just months after his departure from Arsenal to Barcelona, where he had experienced a successful stint. However, a series of personal and professional challenges led him to make the controversial decision to join Chelsea, a rival club in London.
Circumstances Surrounding the Move
Aubameyang's transfer was heavily influenced by a traumatic home burglary in Barcelona, where he and his wife were threatened at gunpoint. This incident, coupled with Barcelona's need to offload a player—either him or Memphis Depay—left him with limited options. He stated, “At that time, I had a bad moment in Barcelona. The only thing that was on the table was Chelsea. So I said, ‘OK, for my family, I will move away, even if it’s Chelsea.’” His hope was that the transition might mirror that of Olivier Giroud, who successfully moved from Arsenal to Chelsea, but this was not the case for Aubameyang.
Performance at Chelsea
During his time at Chelsea, Aubameyang struggled significantly, scoring only three goals in 21 appearances across all competitions. His tenure was marked by a lack of connection with the fans and teammates, which he later described as “no connections at all.” He reflected, “The fans wanted the Auba they saw with Arsenal. At the time, I was not ready for that and didn’t get the opportunity.” His difficulties were compounded by the managerial changes at Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel, his former coach at Borussia Dortmund, being sacked shortly after his arrival.
Official Statements & Responses
In interviews, Aubameyang has openly labeled his Chelsea move as a “big f***ing mistake.” He expressed that the chaotic circumstances surrounding his transfer and the subsequent lack of playing time contributed to his disappointing experience. He noted, “I never had that connection... it was a chaotic year,” highlighting the psychological impact of both the burglary and his struggles at Chelsea.
Life After Chelsea
Following his brief and tumultuous spell at Chelsea, Aubameyang moved to Marseille, where he has found renewed success, scoring five goals in his first 14 appearances of the season. He also had a short stint at Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia before returning to France. His reflections on his time at Chelsea serve as a reminder of the complexities athletes face during career transitions, especially under challenging personal circumstances.
Criticism & Opposition
While Aubameyang's candid admission of regret may resonate with some fans, it also raises questions about the decision-making processes of players during transfers. Critics argue that such moves should be approached with more caution, especially when they involve rival clubs, as the potential for negative outcomes can be significant.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That was a big mistake going there. It was a f****** big mistake.” — Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- “I was thinking maybe it will be okay, Olivier Giroud went from Arsenal to Chelsea and he had no problems, but for me it was different.” — Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang's experience underscores the unpredictable nature of football transfers and the personal factors that can heavily influence a player's career trajectory.
