Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admits he was ‘thinking about’ leaving Arsenal but Mikel Arteta persuaded him to stay

: “Two things persuaded me to stay. The first thing was Mikel Arteta, because since he came in he brings a lot of positivity and a new philosophy for us.

“I think that was important because it matched my game and I feel that I can improve with him.

“I think this was the key factor and as well, the love that I receive from the fans and the whole club.

“Everyone is treating me very, very good, so I feel at home and that’s why I’m staying.

“We had a chat during lockdown and we were supposed to talk about a game and he said, ‘okay, forget it, we’re going to talk about the future’ and he asked me what I wanted to do.

“I was like, ‘I feel good since you came, I’m improving and the philosophy is very, very nice so I just want to stay’.

“And he was like, ‘I’m sure if you stay you can leave a legacy, but it’s all about you and what you want.

“’Of course you can leave and go for trophies in big clubs as well but I think you can create a legacy here in this great club’.

“This was the key message to me and after that conversation I was like, ‘okay, it’s all clear for me and I just want to stay’ and that’s it.

“I was thinking about it [leaving], to tell you the truth, because I had good opportunities as well.

“But this feeling to be here - the love from the fans and all the club - I’m not sure that by leaving I will receive the same love, so that’s why I’m staying.

“I’m really proud to be the captain but it’s not the biggest factor to stay. Of course it’s a great job to do, but it was not a part of me staying here.”