Former Arsenal striker Aubameyang confirms retirement from international football

Gabon skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has confirmed his retirement from international football just weeks before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Aubameyang, who is renowned for his pace, finishing, and off-ball movement scored 29 goals in 68 appearances for the Panthers, making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer.

The 32-year-year-old made his senior debut for Gabon in 2009 aged 19, and appeared in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, as well as the 2012 Summer Olympics.

“After 13 years of representing my country with pride, I would like to tell you that I am ending my international career,” the former Arsenal star wrote.

“I would like to thank the Gabonese people and all those who have supported me in the good times as well as the bad ones.

“I will always have great memories like the day I made my debut, or the day I came back from Nigeria with African Player of the Year award. Sharing it with everyone is an unforgettable moment.

“I want to thank my father who made me want to be like him and I hope I made him proud in wearing our colours.”

In response, the Gabon Football Federation (Fegafoot) recognised his “immense career” and a player “who knew how to promote, thanks to his professionalism, the image of Gabon around the world”.

“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will always be model for future generations,” the Fegafoot statement added.

“The big football family will be able to count on his expertise for the future.”

In 2016, the Barcelona striker was named African Footballer of the Year – the first Gabonese and second European-born player to win the award.