Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has decided to open the vault of memories and confront one of the most bitter chapters of his career: his failed stint at Chelsea. In an interview on the Troopz podcast, the Gabonese striker admitted that leaving FC Barcelona for Stamford Bridge was a mistake driven by personal circumstances and market urgency. His words left no room for interpretation: “It was a big mistake to go there. A huge mistake.”

Aubameyang recalled that his time in Barcelona had been overshadowed by a traumatic episode. After the robbery at his home and with the club needing to offload a player, his departure became inevitable. “Barça had to sell someone, and the only real option on the table was Chelsea,” he confessed. Although the move didn’t excite him, he accepted it for his family’s stability.

A Failed Gamble at Stamford Bridge

Aubameyang’s arrival in London was far from successful. He scored just three goals in 21 appearances during the 2022-23 season, a far cry from the standards he had set earlier in his career. His signing also stirred controversy among Chelsea supporters due to his past at Arsenal, a transition not everyone embraced. “I thought it could work, like it did for Olivier Giroud, but for me it was completely different,” he explained.

His time with the Blues turned into a forgettable stopover with no shine and little continuity. For Auba, expectations evaporated amid pressure, tactical misalignment and an environment that never suited his game. His assessment now is blunt and honest: he should never have taken that step.

Marseille, the Rebirth of a Goalscorer

After closing the chapter at Stamford Bridge, Aubameyang found refuge and sporting redemption at Olympique de Marseille, where he rediscovered his best form. With 35 goals in 65 matches, the striker reestablished himself as the team’s main attacking reference. Even his brief spell in Saudi Arabia with Al Qadsiah didn’t sever his connection with the French side, where he returned to reclaim his leadership role.

Today, with the clarity that comes from a stable present, Aubameyang reflects without filters on the decision that shifted his career trajectory. His time at Chelsea was short and bitter, but also a reminder that even star players make mistakes. What matters most, he says, is finding the way back to his best football. And in Marseille, he has done exactly that.