Arsenal defender Gabriel has revealed that the squad were behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in his feud with Mikel Arteta - and wanted him to stay.
A tumultuous period for the Gabonese striker in north London came to an end shortly after January’s deadline day, with a free transfer to Barcelona.
Gunners boss Arteta had fallen out with Aubameyang over a number of disciplinary breaches, and exiled him from the squad after stripping him of the captain’s armband before Christmas.
Speaking on the Oh My Goal podcast, Gabriel stated: “Aubameyang is in my heart, we all wanted him at Arsenal.
“It's something that happened between him and the coaching staff, the other players weren't in it.
“I said goodbye to him before he left, I hope he enjoys Barcelona, he is a very nice person with a big heart and I love him very much.”
Arteta defended his role in Aubameyang’s exit, which left Arsenal short of attacking firepower after the club failed to sign a replacement. Aubameyang has since hit four goals in five games for his new team.
“The way I see myself in that relationship is the solution, not the problem,” said Arteta after the move.
“I do lot of things wrong, for sure. But the intention all the time is the best – and not for me, it is for the club and for the team.
“I think it ended up in the best possible way for everybody. I think when things change, and the context changes, this is part of football.”
