Auba quits Gabon duty: “This was the last straw“

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has called time on his Gabon career, saying he felt “humiliated” by the treatment he received from his country following their disastrous Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

The 37-year-old captain, Gabon’s all-time leading scorer, was singled out by the government after the Panthers were eliminated in the group stage in Morocco following three defeats, including against eventual finalists Ivory Coast.

Aubameyang, who played in the tournament despite being injured, was subsequently dropped along with veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga, while the coaching staff were dismissed and the national team suspended.

The decision sparked anger among Gabonese supporters, but the relationship between Aubameyang and the authorities never fully recovered.

“They humiliated and smeared me even though I played at the AFCON while injured,” Aubameyang said in a television interview. “This is the last straw, and I’d rather stop here.”

The former Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal striker also rejected the idea that he was responsible for Gabon’s problems.

“I think the team’s problems run much deeper than the little person that I am,” he said.

Aubameyang now begins what could be the final chapter of his European career, having left Marseille for newly promoted Deportivo La Coruna.

His international departure leaves new Gabon coach Sebastien Migne without his captain and record goalscorer as the Panthers prepare for their first qualifiers for next year’s AFCON, which will be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The Panthers are drawn in Group A alongside Morocco, Niger and Lesotho.