Aubameyang confirms retirement from Gabon national team

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

has announced that his Gabon international career has reached an end. The

forward played in 72 games, met the back of the net 30 times and was the captain.

Following an elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations this year, he has decided to turn his attention to his club career.

"After 13 years of pride in representing my country, I announce that I am ending my international career,"

the 32-year-old wrote in an open letter to

fans.

"I would like to thank the Gabonese people and all those who have supported me in the good like the bad times.

"I will keep a lot of good memories like the day I made my debut at romnisports, or the day I came back from Nigeria with the African Ballon d'Or.

"Sharing it with all the people was an unforgettable moment. I thank our President, his Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba who has always supported the Panthers and has always worked for football to evolve in our country.

"I would also like to thank all my coaches, staff and the players that I have come across during this career.

"Finally, I thank my father who gave me the desire to do like him, hoping to have made him proud by wearing our colours."

The forward’s last attempt with his nation to win silverware came to an end when his Covid-19 test turned out positive before the tournament and had to go home with Mario Lemina.

“It’s very complicated,”

Gabon boss Patrice Neveu said at the time.

“I’m not new to this team, I've worked with Gabon for three years, and fortunately Caf gave us the option of having a squad of 28 players.

“However, losing Pierre-Emerick and Mario, it’s a lot for this team. We don’t have the squad of Nigeria or Morocco, and we know we’re in a hard competition.”

Without their star player, Gabon made it to the Round of 16 of the competition, where they failed on penalties against Burkina Faso.

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