Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has insisted he is delighted to see Robert Lewandowski arrive at Barcelona, despite the high chance that it will lead to less game-time for him.
Barca finally completed the signing of Lewandowski last week after a summer-long chase for the Polish international. Aubameyang became Barca's starting striker after arriving from Arsenal in the January transfer window.
He scored 13 goals in 23 games as Xavi 's side enjoyed a solid end to the campaign, finishing second in La Liga. But his playing time will surely now be drastically cut after Lewandowski, who finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer last year, was signed for £42.5million.
Surprisingly, that is not something that is concerning Aubameyang, who played alongside Lewandowski at Borussia Dortmund. Instead, the Gabon international is excited to reunite with his former Dortmund team-mate.
"I was really excited because I know him well we played together at Dortmund and had some nice times over there. I was just happy and when this was official we are reunited," Aubameyang told ESPN FC.
"And we had some fun words about the past, but I’m really happy because this is how Barcelona will compete, with great strikers and that’s what this club is all about. Obviously I think we have more experience.
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"We can maybe do better than the past in Dortmund I am sure about that. Personally, I will try to give my best and I’m sure he will do it. We will hope we have better numbers than in the past. The club did an incredible summer in terms of new players."
Barca boss Xavi will now have to find a way to accommodate two star strikers in his starting line-up. The Spanish legend tends to play with a 4-3-3 formation, with room for only one central striker.
But asked if Xavi had expanded on his plan to play both of his star men, Aubameyang hinted there was room for both of them. He added: "Yes a little bit. He was talking to all of us that we have to compete this year to win titles and trophies.
"Of course when you talk about trophies we need a competitive team. That’s why we have a lot of strikers and midfielders and defenders. I think this is the way to achieve things this season.
"His vision on the pitch is crazy. He wants Barca to play as Barca have to play so keep the ball and play great football. Also playing forward and trying to score goals so I'm enjoying since I came here."
Aubameyang's optimism at welcoming Lewandowski as a team-mate has been questioned though. Former Premier League star Shaka Hislop believes it is obvious that Lewandowski will be starting ahead of Aubameyang.
"It's not a great position to be in for Aubameyang because if you're playing with one out and out striker through the middle, it's going to be Lewandowksi. Unless you decide to rotate in the cups, as long as he's fit, he's going to start," he told ESPN.
"So for Aubameyang, it's where do I fit in? Do I come in as cover for Lewandowski, or as cover for one of the guys who may start out wide? When you're a player like Aubameyang with his quality and reputation, to play second fiddle is not easy to accept."
