Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to react after the Gunners announced that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would no longer be captain.
What’s the story?
Well, Arsenal describe the incident as Aubameyang’s latest disciplinary breach, which suggests he’s often causing issues at London Colney.
The Athletic understand that Mikel Arteta granted the 32-year-old permission to fly to France for personal reasons on Wednesday, on the basis that he would return that same night in time for training on Thursday morning.
However, Aubameyang only flew back to London on Thursday morning.
The Gabon international did, in fact, arrive in time for training, although confusion over COVID-19 protocols meant he angered Arsenal, who believe they laid out the instructions clearly, and their No.14 failed to follow them.
Now, Aubameyang will no longer wear the armband for Arsenal, continuing their long line of problematic captains.
Who should replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Arsenal captain?
Arteta must get this decision right, as the Gunners haven’t had a proper captain for many years now.
There was William Gallas, who was axed as captain by Arsene Wenger following a disciplinary breach.
Then there was Cesc Fabregas, who left for Barcelona, before Robin van Persie also departed for Manchester United.
Thomas Vermaelen and Arteta himself were hardly inspirational leaders either.
Arsenal have a very young squad, so it’s tough to decide who will now be named captain in place of Aubameyang.
In our view, they must be a regular starter, and also a vocal presence, so if it was down to us, we’d give it to Aaron Ramsdale.
The 23-year-old has looked confident, assured and brave, while he certainly isn’t afraid to have a go at his teammates if he feels they’re slacking off.
For now, let’s see what the Arsenal fans on Twitter have been saying about the club statement on Aubameyang…
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