Barcelona Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has retired from International football.
The retirement means he will no longer be with the national team for the next qualifiers, the final phase of which is scheduled in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Gabon’s all time goal scorer sent a letter to the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) on May 17, 2022 announcing his retirement.
He said, “After 13 years of pride in representing my country, I announce that I am ending my international career.
“I would like to thank the Gabonese people and all those who have supported me in good and bad times.
“I will keep a lot of good memories, like the day I made my debut or the day I came back from Nigeria with the African Ballon d’or. Sharing it with all the people was an unforgettable moment.
“I thank our President, his excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba who has always supported the Panthers and has always worked for football to evolve in our country.
“I would also like to thank all my coaches, staff and the players that I have come across during this career.
“Finally, I thank my father who gave me the desire to do like him, hoping to have him proud by wearing our colours.”
Aubameyang is Gabon’s all time top goal scorer. He made his senior debut for Gabon in 2009 aged 19, and appeared in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, as well as the 2012 Summer Olympics. In 2016, Aubameyang was named African Footballer of the Year; the first Gabonese and second European-born player to win the award