The finer details of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract at Barcelona are beginning to emerge and they certainly make for some interesting reading.
Aubameyang, 32, left Arsenal to join Barcelona on a deal until 2025, with the Catalan club finally confirming the striker as their player on Wednesday.
According to The Times, Arsenal paid Aubameyang a whopping £7m lump sum to terminate his £350,000-a-week contract at the Emirates – allowing him to join Barcelona for free.
Aubameyang had not featured for Arsenal since December 6 after being stripped of the club captaincy following a disciplinary breach.
The Gabon international was dropped by manager Mikel Arteta after reportedly returning late from a trip abroad.
Aubameyang had similar disciplinary breaches at his former club Borussia Dortmund, where he was left out of the squad on several occasions.
Barcelona appear to have taken steps to avoid the same scenario happening at the Nou Camp after reportedly inserting a ‘indiscipline clause’ into Aubameyang’s contract.
Spanish publication Diari ARA claim the clause will allow Barcelona to unilaterally terminate Aubameyang’s deal if he is involved in any act deemed ‘indiscipline’ by the club.
Barcelona have themselves confirmed that an 18-month break clause exists in Aubameyang’s contract at the Nou Camp.
The Catalan giants have also inserted a huge €100m (£83.45m) buyout clause into his deal.
Aubameyang, meanwhile, has vowed to “give everything” during his time at Barcelona.
In his first interview at the club, he said: “I’m very proud because my family is Spanish as well from my mother’s side so I’m just really proud and happy to be here.
“My main goal is to help the team and give everything I can to bring the team back in the Champions League and stuff like that. I’m happy to be here and I will try to give everything.
“It’s amazing to have him (Xavi) as a coach. He was a fantastic player, everyone knows, and I’m sure as a coach he will bring us something will we all learn, definitely.
“Everyone is welcoming me very well, it’s been very good.”
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Barcelona, Arsenal, Football, La Liga, Transfers