Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opens up on why he chose Gabon over France and Spain

 

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has opened up on his decision to represent the Gabon national team, rather than France or Spain.
The elite-level striker had to make the decision between the three nations, after family heritage made him eligible to play for each.

Born in France, Aubameyang also has a Spanish mother - but the two countries were to miss out on his ferocious talent after the player opted for Gabon.

The reason? His father, Pierre Francois Aubameyang. Himself a former footballer, known during his playing days as Yaya Aubameyang.

Born in Gabon, Aubameyang senior captained the national team and made over 80 international appearances.

The family draw was too strong for Pierre-Emerick, who was desperately to follow his father's lead.

The striker told Arsenal's official website: 'I was very young when I decided.'
'Players often take their time to consider their options and make the right choice, but for me the choice was clear.

'I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. He was captain of the national side in the past. 'I could well have chosen to play for Spain or France.
I played for the French under-21 team, but I realised very quickly that in my heart I wanted to emulate my father.'