Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs new Arsenal contract ‘to become a legend’ and ‘leave a legacy’ with Gunners

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang insists he signed his new Arsenal contract because he "wants to become a legend” at the club and “leave a legacy.”

The Gabonese striker has penned a new three-year contract worth in the region of £250,000 per week.

The club captain had less than one year remaining on his current deal and had delayed a decision over his future until the end of the season, with Barcelona one of several clubs interested in the 31-year-old, who scored 22 goals in the Premier League last season, but elaborated on the reasons behind his decision to stay on a live stream on social media.

“I signed the thing because I want to become an Arsenal legend, and maybe leave a legacy," Aubameyang said on a live stream on the club’s social media.

"It’s time to work a lot, to become a legend, I will give my best as always.

“Hopefully you are happy and I can’t wait to see you again at this beautiful stadium, hopefully it’s soon.”

At one stage, Aubameyang seemed destined for an exit, but after Mikel Arteta rejuvenated the spirit around the club and secured European football with victory in the FA Cup, the head coach and hierarchy managed to convince the Gabon international to stay.

Arteta repeatedly spoke of the importance of keeping Aubameyang towards the end of the season.

Arteta revealed his delight at the new, hailing the player’s “incredible mentality”.

Mikel Arteta added: “It was important for Pierre-Emerick to stay with us. He’s a superb player with an incredible mentality. Being the player to have taken the least amount of time to reach 50 goals with this club tells you everything you need to know about him and his way of working.

"He’s an important leader for the team and a big part of what we’re building. He wants to be up there with the best players in the world and leave his mark. He can achieve that here.”

While technical director Edu said: “It’s clear Auba loves the club and everything we stand for on and off the pitch.

"He’s obviously a very important part of the team so we’re all delighted he has committed his future to us. It’s a big boost for everyone – fans, team-mates and staff.”