After Barcelona sold Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea, Xavi “feels horrible”
After Barcelona chose to trade Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea, Xavi said that he “feels horrible” and called his former attacker a “gem.”
On transfer deadline day, Chelsea paid £10 million to get former Arsenal captain Aubameyang, and as part of the agreement, Blues defender Marcos Alonso transferred to the Nou Camp.
Aubameyang only recently finalized his long-awaited move to Barcelona, and Xavi reveals he was hesitant to part with a player who was “an example on and off the field.”
Aubameyang scored 13 goals in 23 appearances for Barcelona last season, including a brace in a famous 4-0 victory over El Clasico rivals Real Madrid.
He gave us a lot of assistance, so I feel horrible, said Xavi. He set a good example both on and off the field.
‘Look at his figures, he made a tremendous difference. He is a gem of a person and never fails to practice with a smile on his face.
It’s unfortunate because you want guys of this caliber in your team, but he and the club both benefited from the opportunity.
We had to put the puzzle pieces together, and I believe that everyone is satisfied with the outcome.
But losing a guy like Aubameyang makes me feel horrible as a coach. He served as a role model for the team and other players.
Aubameyang believes it was a “indescribable” experience to play for the La Liga giants in a statement he gave to Barcelona’s supporters shortly after joining Chelsea.
“Culers, six months spent with you, yet it feels like six years,” he wrote in a social media post.
“The amount of love I’ve received is beyond words, especially now. I wish you the best and hope to see you soon.” I’m grateful.
Aubameyang added, in regards to his transfer to Stamford Bridge, “I’m incredibly thrilled. I’m excited to get started and consider it an honor to be a member of this team.
It’s nice to be back and incredibly thrilled because I have some unfinished business with the Premier League.