Aubameyang returns to La Liga with Deportivo to rekindle unfinished business in Spain

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is back in La Liga, signing with Deportivo A Coruña as the Galician club return to Spain’s top flight for the first time since their 2018 relegation. The 37-year-old Gabonese striker, who previously lit up the division with 11 goals in just 18 league appearances for Barcelona during the 2021/22 season, turned down other offers to take on what he describes as a mission to restore a historic club.

“The passion is still there, definitely, otherwise I’d choose another challenge,” Aubameyang told Mirror Football. “I had a few offers, but the passion is still there and I still want to challenge myself and think this one is a special challenge to try to bring back the club to its best.”

Aubameyang arrived at Barcelona mid-season in January 2022, when the Catalan club were sitting ninth in La Liga under new manager Xavi. Alongside fellow January signing Ferran Torres, he played a significant role in their recovery to second place by the end of the campaign — a turnaround he reflects on with pride, if also a degree of amusement at the hyperbole it generated.

“I saw some guys saying I’m the hero of Barca, this is funny,” he said. “But let’s say I was happy to be at the club at this moment, I was happy to give some good moments and some good memories for the fans. It was a really nice moment playing at Barca that I will never forget.”

Now approaching his 20th year as a professional footballer, Aubameyang insists his body and appetite remain intact. “Next year is going to be 20 years since I started my career as a professional and I have to say the truth, I’m feeling quite good,” he said. “I can still give a lot for the game and still have the passion. As long as my body says I can go, I will go.”

Since leaving Arsenal in January 2022, Aubameyang has moved clubs every year — taking in Barcelona, Chelsea, Marseille, and Al-Qadsiah — making Deportivo his latest port of call. The former Arsenal captain’s arrival at the Estadio de Riazor signals Deportivo’s ambitions as they look to consolidate their return to the top division after a six-year absence.