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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang retires from international football

sportsmole.co.uk, 19 May 2022, 01:23
Barcelona and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 32.

Born in the French town of Laval, Aubameyang decided to switch allegiance to Gabon shortly after turning professional, and made his debut for the nation in March 2009.

The striker has since become the nation's all-time record goalscorer, finding the net 30 times in 72 appearances across all competitions.

An official statement from Aubameyang, via the Gabonese Football Federation, read: "After 13 years of pride in representing my country, I announce that I am ending my international career. I would like to thank the Gabonese people and all those who have supported me in good and bad times.

"I will keep a lot of good memories, like the day I made my debut or the day I came back from Nigeria with the African Ballon d'Or. Sharing it with all the people was an unforgettable moment.

"I thank our President, his excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba who has always supported the Panthers and has always worked for football to evolve in our country. I would also like to thank all my coaches, staff and the players that I have come across during this career.

"Finally, I thank my father who gave me the desire to do like him, hoping to have him proud by wearing our colours."

Aubameyang is the only Gabonese international to win the African Footballer of the Year award, claiming the individual accolade in 2015 during his time at former club Borussia Dortmund.

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