Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes there was an element of truth in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s dig at his former manager Mikel Arteta.
The Gabon international’s relationship with the Gunners boss deteriorated last season following a series of disciplinary breaches which culminated in Aubameyang being frozen out and joining Barcelona after his contract was terminated.
Last week, footage, taken shortly after Aubameyang joined the Catalan giants, emerged online which showed the 33-year-old criticising Arteta’s man management.
Aubameynag, who subsequently joined on the final day of the transfer window, issued a withering apology on Monday, which read: ‘I’m aware there is a video out that was recorded just after I arrived at Barca. At the time I still had a lot of bad feelings in me,’ he tweeted on Monday afternoon.
‘Arsenal are doing great things this season and I wish all my old guys well, just not on November 6 [when Chelsea host the Gunners].’
Parlour, however, believes Aubameyang had a point given the way Arteta has molded his rapidly improving Arsenal team around a clutch of exciting and malleable young players.
He told talkSPORT: Maybe [Aubameyang was right]! That’s probably why that’s the way he’s been going with the squad.
‘He got rid of some big stars like Ozil, Kolasinac, Mustafi, Aubameyang was obviously the last one to leave. Lacazette went on a free transfer and was another big player in the dressing room.
‘He’s got a good young team now. Xhaka, he’s 30 so he’s an experienced international, he’s come back and been one of the best players in the team.
‘Partey has played his part in that midfield area. But it’s a good up and coming young side.
‘They’ve just got to keep improving, keep their feet on the ground. You’ve got to keep working hard because he’s got that in his locker Arteta he really pushes you every day in training. He’s similar to Pep Guardiola I would imagine.’
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