Mikel Arteta believes that tomorrow’s FA Cup final will not be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s final game for the club.
The Arsenal skipper has been the subject of intense transfer debate in recent times, and it is rumoured that Saturday’s FA Cup final could be his final act for the London club.
READ ALSO: Why Arsenal needs FA Cup more than Chelsea – Fabregas
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Saturday’s final, the gaffer maintained that he does not entertain the thoughts of Auba’s departure during the summer transfer window
“No, I don’t have those thoughts, don’t forget he still has a contract here with us. We want to keep him and do it more long-term. But at the moment he is with us and I think he should be really proud of where he is as well”.
Talks of Aubameyang’s depature is further fuelled by Arsenal’s failure to qualify for Europe next season, per their position on the league table; and, should they lose tomorrow’s final to their West London rivals, they will lose their only remaining bargaining chip to compete in Europe next season. Considering Aubameyang’s age, it is expected that he may seek greener pastures elsewhere if this happens.
Having won the FA Cup as a skipper twice with the Gunners, Arteta hopes to inspire his skipper to do the same
“Absolutely. I think that has a strong link with everything that you want to experience as a player” he said
“Winning a trophy helps to really believe and make you feel ‘wow’, I want more of those moments as well”.
“If you are wearing the armband and you are able to lift that cup, it is such a moment and this is going to help for sure”.
Arsenal go into the final as underdogs, having finished 4 places behind their London rivals on the league table, but Arteta is optimistic his boys can put on the kind of show which saw them oust Premier League giants, Manchester City from the competition at the semi-final stage.
“It would be absolutely great,” Arteta said. “We’ve worked so hard since I joined here to try to bring this club back to winning titles, so if we can achieve that I will be delighted.
“But not for myself- for the players and the club. They’ve been through some very difficult moments in the last few seasons and as well as for our fans, because they really deserve some joy and nice moments”.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.