Aubameyang Is Seriously Considering Retiring From International Football

Gabon is gearing up to meet Burundi in their last AFCON qualifier on March 31. As expected, Gabon captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was handed a call-up for the match, but he acted cold about it – prompting speculations that he wasn’t going to turn up.

(Photo: CAF via Twitter)

Although it’s now confirmed Aubameyang will join his teammates for the game, he still insists that he’s seriously considering retiring from international football. He recently talked about his plans on a French TV show, Talents d’Afrique, saying:

“I am thinking hard about retiring from international football. I am honestly asking myself that question. Sadly, I have come to this point, and I am going to make a decision.

It could come before or after our next game against Burundi.”

Well, the signs have been there. Gabon has played five AFCON qualifiers so far, and Aubameyang has appeared in just two. Many believe that his apathy towards international duty has to do with his dissatisfaction with the way things are being handled in the Gabonese Football Association.

Now that he has finally agreed to appear for his country, we can only hope that he doesn’t suddenly pull out before the game. Gabon needs a win in that match to secure a spot in the 2019 AFCON, and we can’t see them pulling it off without him.