Barcelona boss Xavi has admitted he feels bad about the decision to sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer, giving a glowing review of the striker after his exit. It comes after the former Arsenal captain made a stunning switch to Chelsea on transfer deadline day to help reinforce the forward lines.
The Blues had been heavily linked with the Gabon international throughout the window, however Todd Boehly's patience in negotiations saw his newly acquired team secure a cut-price deal for the striker. There will be hope that Aubameyang can solve the issue Thomas Tuchel faces in getting his side to convert chances.
The new No.9 - a shirt many fans are concerned over given struggles with strikers in the past - will be hoping he can hit the ground running when he is fit and able to do so. In Tuchel he has a familiar manager, having played under him in his time at Borussia Dortmund.
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Discussing his new forward to the club website, the head coach said: "It’s an honour to be his coach. He’s bursting with confidence and ability. He gives a lot to the team and gets a lot back.
"I am hugely impressed with the way he gives everything to be the complete and perfect forward. His aim is to score goals and he totally defines himself as a goal scorer but he’s also incredibly committed to the team and so happy when he enables others to score.
"We depend on him and will not achieve any of our objectives without him. If Aubameyang is in top form, we are confident of scoring goals at any given moment."
The 33-year-old signed for the Blues after a six-month spell with Barcelona, having joined them following the mutual termination of his Arsenal contract back in February. While his stay was short and sweet, he clearly left an impact in Catalonia, with Barca boss Xavi giving a glowing review of the striker.
"I feel bad because he helped us a lot,’ said Xavi when asked about Aubameyang. "He was an example on and off the pitch. He made a big difference – look at his numbers. As a person, he’s a jewel and always training with a smile on his face.
"It’s a shame because you want to have these type of players in your squad but it was a good opportunity for him and for the club as well. We needed to put the pieces of the puzzle together and in the end, I think we’re all happy.
"But I feel bad as a coach to lose a player like Aubameyang. He was an example for the club and for all players."
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