Aubameyang Says Joining Barcelona Was A Dream Since Childhood

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Twitter @fcbarcelona)

JAKARTA - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has called joining Barcelona a "chance of his life" and is ready to support the Spanish league club in reclaiming a place among Europe's elite teams.

Aubameyang was officially introduced at Camp Nou on Thursday, after his signing was confirmed on Wednesday. The 32-year-old was allowed to move on a free transfer after Arsenal terminated his contract.

His deal with the Blaugrana runs until 2025 although there is a break clause in June 2023 and the release clause is set at 100 million euros.

"I've always dreamed of playing in La Liga," Aubameyang said.

"This is an amazing opportunity for me, it's a dream since I was a kid and it's an opportunity in my life. Barca is one of the best clubs in the world and I'm very happy to be here."

💭 𝗔𝗨𝗕𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗬𝗔𝗡𝗚 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/2mQ9EN7l0w

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 3, 2022

Barcelona will be hoping Aubameyang can help solve the team's goalscoring problems this season and make a difference in their fight to finish in La Liga's top four.

Burdened by debts of over a billion euros and still recovering from the surprise departure of Lionel Messi, Barca is no longer as strong as they once were.

They were knocked out of this season's Champions League at the group stage and are fifth in La Liga, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid.

"I know we will get back to the top, little by little," said Aubameyang.

Aubameyang will be able to make his Camp Nou debut on Sunday in a La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid, who are one point clear of Barcelona in fourth place.

But the striker is likely to be less sharp. His last appearance for Arsenal came against Everton on 6 December.

"I haven't played in a long time, but in my head, it's very clear that I'm ready to play and help," said Aubameyang.

"I've spoken a bit with the boss and he sees me as a striker, but if he needs me to play on the wing, I'm ready to play there too."

Aubameyang scored 92 goals in 165 games for Arsenal but fell out with coach Mikel Arteta after a series of disciplinary problems.

"I don't think I did anything wrong," Aubameyang said. "I think (the problem) is only with him. He's not happy. I'm calm and that's it."