Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is honoured to have been named Arsenal s captain, having been so desperate to lead teams when he was younger he bought armbands for himself.
Aubameyang was confirmed as Arsenal s new skipper earlier this month, when Granit Xhaka was stripped of the responsibility following his angry confrontation with fans in October s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
Speaking in the club s matchday programme ahead of Saturday s game against Southampton, his first home match since being confirmed as club captain, Aubameyang said: Arsenal has a great history of wonderful captains like Patrick Vieira and Tony Adams. It is a privilege to follow in their footsteps and I will honour the armband by doing my very best on and off the pitch.
When I was younger, I remember always wanting to be captain in my youth teams. I was talking about it with my mum just the other day actually. We were laughing because we recalled how I used to buy armbands myself so I could wear them.
At the start of my career, I was not too focused on being captain or not. Now, it feels right. It comes with a lot of responsibilities but I feel I can do a great job. I have been Gabon captain since 2015 and that was also a great honour.
My dad was also the national team captain when he was playing. So to take over from him in a way was again very special. Now, I am doing the double with Arsenal and Gabon and it is a wonderful privilege.
Arsenal has a great history of wonderful captains like Patrick Vieira and Tony Adams. It s a privilege to follow in their footsteps and I will honour the armband by doing my very best on and off the pitch. on the captaincy in today s programme notes
— Arsenal (@Arsenal)
Arsenal head into the Southampton fixture winless in four Premier League matches, with head coach Unai Emery under increasing pressure as a result.
