Having had a career with the likes of Grenoble, Moreirense, Pau, Rouen and Kuressaare in Estonia between 1996-2008, Armand Ossey might not mean much to most fans of English football.
However, he’s someone who is close to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, which is a name that will resonate with Arsenal fans a lot, since the Gabon international recently left the Gunners on a free in January to sign for Barcelona.
This came after four years at the Emirates, 92 goals and 21 assists in 163 appearances, but it all crumbled this season after the forward fell out with Mikel Arteta and was stripped of the captaincy.
It all led to his recent exit, which Ossey, speaking to Foot11 in France, gave his two cents on, having known Aubameyang since his days at Rouen when he was around nine years old.
He said: “I think Pierre-Emerick arrived at the end of a cycle at Arsenal. When you sign for Arsenal with the wages he had, there were a lot of expectations. After a year and a half, he was present and carried the team. Arsenal cannot rely on just one player.”
As for the move itself: “I think there came a point where weariness set in, plus Covid and the estrangement from his family. I think he needed a new challenge to get back on track and become the killer he once was. There was no better challenge than Barca. I am so happy for him.
“At this point in his career, he had to finish at a top club. Despite the slump he had, he progressed. He has taken a step forward and it’s a consecration for him. With the players Barca have and a manager who knows how to play football and breathes the game, there will be a game plan that will work for him. He’s in the best conditions to succeed. Pierre-Emerick has a name that resonates in world football.”
Aubameyang has yet to start a game for Barcelona under Xavi since his arrival, making two appearances from the bench in the 4-2 win against Atlético Madrid and the recent 2-2 draw against Espanyol, where he was unable to make the difference.
