Pierre Emerick Aubameyang Credits Didier Drogba for Helping Him Choose Gabon

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang Credits Didier Drogba for Helping Him Choose Gabon

Edwin Kiplagat
May 14, 2024 at 2:21 PM
In this article:
Didier Drogba logo
D. Drogba
-FIvory Coast logo
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang logo
P. Aubameyang
Al-Qadisiya logoFGabon logo
Gabon logo
Gabon
Gabon
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Ivory Coast logo
Cote DIvoire
Ivory Coast
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Marseille logo
Marseille
France
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  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has had an incredible career
  • The Marseille striker is still on top of his game in France
  • The striker recently discussed Didier Drogba's influence

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been one of the best strikers in world football in the last decade.

The Olympique Marseille and Gabon star played for some of Europe's biggest clubs, like Arsenal and Barcelona.

The 34-year-old has disclosed that Chelsea and Ivory Coast, legend Didier Drogba, helped him choose Gabon over France.

Didier Drogba, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon, Arsenal, Marseille, Chelsea, Ivory Coast
Didier Drogba inspired many African footballers like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Photos by Victor Lochon and Visionhaus.
Source: Getty Images

Aubameyang was born in Laval, France and was eligible to represent France at international level, having played for Les Bleus' youth teams, per Bundesliga.

However, after watching a documentary about Drogba's career in 2007, he was compelled to make a decision, and it was a straightforward one.

"At that time, I had to make my choice for Gabon. But in fact, I didn't hesitate, it made me want to do the same thing, what he represented for his country; it was an incredible source of inspiration," via KickOff.

The former Borussia Dortmund star was inspired by Drogba, who, like him, could've represented France but chose to play for Ivory Coast. Drogba would later become a national hero.

"I had the opportunity to tell him that he was my idol when I was younger. I don't know if he realises it, but he is someone who has inspired a lot of people around the world, particularly me," Aubameyang added.

Drogba was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, but grew up in France. He said he has no regrets about choosing Ivory Coast.

"I am proud to play for Ivory Coast and to have been born in Abidjan. The choice of Ivory Coast always seemed natural," per Sky Sports.

Aubameyang's career so far

The centre-forward has played in France, Germany, England and Spain. He made his name in Germany with Dortmund before earning a move to Arsenal and then to Barcelona.

He has scored over 300 goals in his club career and won two Golden Boots (Bundesliga and Premier League).

He has also represented Gabon 74 times and scored 30 goals, per Transfermarkt.

Aubameyang reduced to tears

Sports Brief also previously reported on Aubameyang bursting into tears following Marseille's exit from the Europa League.

The French giants lost 3-0 in the second leg against Atalanta, ending Aubameyang and Marseille's impressive run in the competition.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.