Wayne Lumbasi
FC Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his retirement from international football. The Gabonese star who has been in top form for the Spanish side announced that he will be hanging his boots for his country just weeks before qualifying starts for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a letter addressed to the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT), Aubameyang wrote:
“After 13 proud years representing my country, I announce that I am ending my international career. I would like to thank the Gabonese people and all those who have supported me in good times and bad.”
In response, FEGAFOOT praised the “immense career and regularity at the highest level of the one who was able to sell the image of Gabon to the world and thanks to his professionalism”
He leaves as the all-time leading goal scorer for his country after participating in four African Cups of Nations (2010, 2012, 2015, and 2017) as well as the 2012 London Olympics. In 2009, he made his debut in a 2-1 defeat of Morocco, scoring the game’s winning goal. His last game for Gabon was against Libya on November 12, 2021, in which he scored the game’s only goal from the penalty spot.
Gabon will start their latest Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 4 and play a second Group I game at home to Mauritania on June 8.
