Arsenal star Aubameyang: Why I rejected good opportunities for new contract | OneFootball

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed why he rejected 'good opportunities' to sign an extension with Arsenal.

The Gabon International recently penned a three-year extension to stay with the Gunners.

And Aubameyang has reiterated how Mikel Arteta helped persuade him to leave a 'legacy' with the club.

"Two things persuaded me to stay," he told Sky Sports. "The first thing was Mikel Arteta, because since he came in he brings a lot of positivity and a new philosophy for us.

"I think that was important because it matched my game and I feel that I can improve with him. I think this was the key factor and as well, the love that I receive from the fans and the whole club.

"We had a chat during lockdown and we were supposed to talk about a game and he said 'okay, forget about it, we're going to talk about the future' and he asked me what I wanted to do.

"I was like 'I feel good since you came, I'm improving, and the philosophy is very, very nice so I just want to stay' and he was like 'I'm sure if you stay you can leave a legacy, but it's all about you and what you want. Of course you can leave and go for trophies in big clubs as well but I think you can create a legacy here in this great club.'

"This was the key message to me and after that conversation I was like 'okay, it's all clear for me and I just want to stay' and that's it."

Barcelona and Inter Milan were two clubs closely linked with Aubameyang.

And the 31-year-old admits he rejected big clubs to stay in north London.

"I was thinking about it to tell you the truth because I had good opportunities as well," he said.

"But this feeling to be here - the love from the fans and all the club - I'm not sure that by leaving I will receive the same love, so that's why I'm staying.

"I'm really proud to be the captain but it's not the biggest factor to stay. Of course, it's a great job to do but it was not a part of me staying here."