Deportivo La Coruña striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his retirement from international football with Gabon following a bitter fallout with national team leadership.
The 37-year-old forward steps away after making 83 appearances and scoring 40 goals for his country, ending a decade-long international career marked by recent public conflict after the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking on the Talent d'Afrique program on Canal+, Aubameyang explained that he decided to walk away because officials humiliated him and tarnished his reputation while he played through injury during the tournament. He added that he preferred to end his international career under these circumstances, noting that the systemic problems facing Gabonese football extend far beyond the insignificant role he plays.
Disaster at Africa Cup of Nations
The rift between the player and national authorities erupted after Gabon suffered a disappointing campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations, finishing bottom of their group with zero points from three matches. Despite competing until the final whistle against World Cup veterans Ivory Coast in a 3-2 defeat, the group stage exit triggered intense friction between the squad, Aubameyang, and state officials.
In an unprecedented political intervention in national sport, Gabon's president at the time, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, publicly condemned the team, stating that a vital part of the national identity had been weakened. The government subsequently imposed extraordinary sanctions by disbanding the national team setup and dismissing both Aubameyang and the head coach, naming them as the main figures responsible for the failure.
Spectacular form for Deportivo La Coruña
Although Gabon's political leadership has since changed, Aubameyang has opted to close his international chapter permanently to focus entirely on his club career in Spain with Deportivo La Coruña. The veteran striker has enjoyed an impressive start to the new LaLiga season under manager Antonio Hidalgo, establishing himself as the focal point of the team's attack.
Aubameyang has scored three goals in his first three league matches of the campaign, helping Deportivo maintain an unbeaten opening stretch of one victory and two draws. His goal against Valencia made him only the third player in Deportivo history to score in each of his first three matches for the club, matching a record previously held by club legends Bebeto and Rábade.
Focus on Spanish football career
Deportivo returned to Spain's top flight and capped off the transfer window with loan additions Marc Casadó and Giménez from top clubs. They join a squad featuring former Barcelona forward Aubameyang and winger Adama Traoré, who is waiting to make his debut for the Galician side.
Revered by supporters in A Coruña, Aubameyang is seeking to distance himself from the persistent controversies that have surrounded his national team over the past year. Now focused on domestic competition, the striker aims to prolong his strong goalscoring form as Deportivo look to consolidate their place in LaLiga.
