Aubameyang Calls Chelsea Move ‘A F*cking Big Mistake’

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has openly called his Chelsea move a “f*cking big mistake,” shedding light on one of the most tumultuous periods of his football career. The Gabonese striker’s candid admission comes more than two years after his brief and troubled spell at Stamford Bridge, sparking fresh discussion about what really went wrong.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Chelsea Nightmare

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s decision to join Chelsea in September 2022 was supposed to revitalize his career after a difficult end to his time at Barcelona. Instead, it resulted in just three goals in 21 appearances and a rapid fall out of favor. The move, worth around £10 million, was meant to reunite him with his former Borussia Dortmund manager, Thomas Tuchel. However, Tuchel’s sacking just six days later left Aubameyang isolated in a system that didn’t suit his strengths, quickly turning hope into disillusionment.

Successive managers failed to trust Aubameyang, and he struggled to secure a regular starting spot. A single Premier League goal and being dropped from the Champions League squad highlighted his struggles, and by summer 2023, his Chelsea contract was terminated by mutual consent. Aubameyang’s time in blue had become a cautionary tale in rushed transfers and bad timing.

Why Aubameyang Regrets the Chelsea Move

Reflecting on his turbulent year in London, Aubameyang told Canal+: “That was a big mistake going there. It was a f*cking big mistake.” He explained that personal turmoil at Barcelona—including a traumatic home break-in and the club’s financial struggles—left him desperate for a change. “Barca needed to sell a player—me or Memphis Depay. The only thing that was on the table was Chelsea… so I said OK, for my family, I will move away, even if it’s Chelsea.”

Aubameyang admitted he hoped to emulate Olivier Giroud’s successful switch from Arsenal to Chelsea but quickly realized his situation was different. The lack of stability and strategic vision at Chelsea proved to be his undoing.

Comparing Arsenal Glory to Chelsea Disappointment

Aubameyang’s struggles at Chelsea were a stark contrast to his prolific years at Arsenal. He scored 92 goals in 163 appearances for the Gunners, captaining them to FA Cup glory in 2020. However, his falling-out with Mikel Arteta over disciplinary issues led to him losing the captaincy and being frozen out of the squad in late 2021. After his contract was terminated, a move to Barcelona provided a brief resurgence—netting 13 goals in half a season—before circumstances forced him out.

The Aftermath: Revival in France

After exiting Chelsea, Aubameyang signed for Marseille in the summer of 2023. There, he rediscovered his form, scoring an impressive 30 goals in his first season and setting a new UEFA Europa League scoring record. His journey even took him to Saudi Arabia for a lucrative short stint before returning once again to Marseille in 2025, where he remains a key figure and inspiration for young talents.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Legacy and Lessons

Despite his Chelsea failure, Aubameyang’s career resurgence at Marseille has demonstrated his enduring talent and resilience. Now 36, he continues to lead Marseille’s attack and is pivotal for Gabon’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His frankness about his Chelsea mistake offers a rare glimpse into the personal and professional pressures that shape a footballer’s decisions.

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Opinion: Aubameyang’s Honesty Is a Breath of Fresh Air

Aubameyang’s willingness to publicly admit his Chelsea move was a mistake is both refreshing and instructive. His story highlights the importance of timing, club stability, and personal wellbeing in a player’s decision-making process. While his stint in West London might have been forgettable, his candor and subsequent revival in Marseille provide hope and perspective for footballers facing difficult career choices.