World · Malaysia Bureau
Aubameyang quits Gabon national team after exclusion row
Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his departure from the Gabon national team, citing feelings of humiliation over his handling during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
LSN Malaysia ·
The 34-year-old striker said he was deeply affected by his initial exclusion from the squad for the continental tournament, followed by a subsequent reinstatement that he found demeaning.
Aubameyang, who has captained the Panthers on the international stage, did not provide extensive detail on the circumstances surrounding the decision to first drop him from the squad and then reverse the call.
The development marks another chapter in what has been a turbulent period for Gabon's national team setup. Aubameyang's departure removes one of the nation's most recognizable footballing talents from international contention.
The forward has represented Gabon at the continental level but has not issued further statements regarding potential reconciliation or the specific reasons for his decision to step away from national team duties at this stage of his career.
Gabon will now plan for future African competitions without one of their most experienced attacking players available for selection.