Aubameyang Calls Chelsea Move the ‘Big Mistake’ of His Career

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Chelsea Move: A ‘Big Mistake’ He Regrets

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Chelsea move stands out as one of the most talked-about missteps in recent football history. The Gabonese forward, who once lit up the Premier League with Arsenal, recently described his 2022 transfer to Chelsea as “a f*cking big mistake,” sharing honest reflections on a period that marked the lowest ebb of his illustrious career.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Chelsea Move: Hopes and Immediate Setbacks

Aubameyang’s decision to join Chelsea in September 2022 was fueled by personal hardship at Barcelona and the lure of a new challenge. After a traumatic home break-in in Spain and with Barcelona under financial strain, the striker accepted Chelsea’s offer as the only option on the table. The move, costing the London club around £10 million, was seen by many as a reunion with former Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel and a potential career revival.

However, just six days after Aubameyang’s arrival, Chelsea sacked Tuchel. The managerial chaos left Aubameyang isolated in a squad and tactical setup that never played to his strengths. Successive coaches failed to trust him as a regular starter, and the Gabon star struggled to adapt.

Chelsea Spell: A Disastrous Chapter for Aubameyang

Aubameyang’s brief time at Stamford Bridge yielded only three goals in 21 matches across all competitions, including a solitary strike in the Premier League. The lack of chemistry with teammates and constant managerial changes further eroded his confidence. By February, new manager Graham Potter excluded him from Chelsea’s Champions League squad, underlining his fall from grace.

Ultimately, Aubameyang’s Chelsea chapter ended quietly in the summer of 2023 when his contract was terminated, and he left on a free transfer to Marseille. Looking back, Aubameyang conceded in a revealing interview with Canal+ that the switch was “a big mistake,” implicating both personal circumstances and a lack of alternatives as key factors in the move.

Why Aubameyang Joined Chelsea: Behind the Decision

In his own words, Aubameyang explained: “At that time I had a bad moment in Barcelona. I had a home break-in and Barca needed to sell a player — me or Memphis Depay. The only concrete option was Chelsea, so I said OK, for my family, I will move away, even if it’s Chelsea…”

He added that he hoped for a repeat of Olivier Giroud’s success following his transfer from Arsenal to Chelsea, but quickly realized, “for me, it was different.” The move failed to replicate Giroud’s turnaround and only deepened Aubameyang’s frustration.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Chelsea Experience vs. Arsenal Glory

Aubameyang’s struggles at Chelsea were in stark contrast to his prolific years at Arsenal, where he tallied 92 goals in 163 appearances and led the Gunners to FA Cup success in 2020. A falling-out with Mikel Arteta over discipline issues brought that spell to a close, leading to his exit in January 2022. A brief resurgence at Barcelona followed, but instability at the Catalan club and off-pitch trauma brought its own challenges.

The Turnaround: Revival at Marseille

After departing Chelsea, Aubameyang reignited his career at Olympique de Marseille. In his first season, he scored 30 goals, becoming Ligue 1’s standout forward and breaking UEFA Europa League scoring records. A short, lucrative stint in Saudi Arabia briefly took him away, but he returned to Marseille in 2025, where he reclaimed his spot as a leader on the pitch.

Now, at 36, Aubameyang continues to inspire both Marseille and Gabon, who are fighting for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His turbulent journey through European football is a testament to his resilience and adaptability.

Aubameyang’s Reflections and Final Thoughts on Chelsea

At the heart of Aubameyang’s regret is the sense that his Chelsea move was forced by circumstance rather than ambition. The decision, shaped by family needs and a lack of other offers, ultimately led to a chapter he wishes could be undone.

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Opinion: Learning from Aubameyang’s Chelsea Experience

Aubameyang’s brutally honest assessment of his Chelsea spell serves as a reminder that even top talents can struggle when the fit isn’t right. His transparency not only highlights the impact of personal circumstances on player decisions but also the importance for clubs and players to align ambitions before making significant moves. Aubameyang’s story underscores the unpredictable nature of football careers and the enduring value of resilience in overcoming setbacks.