Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has spoken about his rejection at AC Milan, after passing through their youth system

Aubameyang was sent on four separate loans to Ligue 1 before signing a permanent deal with Saint-Etienne.

The striker says it was a frustrating period but joked that he could yet return to San Siro, having failed to make a competitive appearance before his exit in 2011.

"In the end, it was tough," he said. "I needed to be placed at a club, I wanted to be believed in. That's what happened at Sainte.

"I saw [Milan CEO Adriano] Galliani at the last Champions League final. He congratulated me and said 'I know you're not going to come back straight away, but if you want to one day, you'll be welcome'. I replied 'With pleasure!'."

Looking at this season, Aubameyang is eager to beat Robert Lewandowski to the Bundesliga top-scorer prize as he attempts to cement his place as one of the finest players in the world.

"Yes, there is always this duel. I hope to be in front of him this season - it's a personal goal," he said. "He's finished top scorer in the Bundesliga for three years, that has to change now...

"I want to have a good career so that people remember me. Today, we remember those who won, who became legends of the sport."

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