Arsenal legend Ian Wright could not resist a cheeky dig at two former Gunners players as he congratulated Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on his new deal.
The Gabon international announced his three-year contract in an Instagram live video on the club’s official channel on Tuesday afternoon.
And he got straight on the phone to the club legend, who has been very vocal in his desire for the 31-year-old to commit his future to north London.
Wright was delighted when he picked up the news, celebrating wildly as Aubameyang laughed along – but the Gunners hero also took a cheeky dig in his message.
Speaking in the Instagram live session to forward after announcing his new deal, the 56-year-old said: “Oh my god, I love you man.
“Listen, can I just say, because there’s so many people [watching this video] I’m sure there’s a lot of people requesting you.
“For us [Arsenal supporters], in a time when we need you most, when we’ve seen legends leave us when we need them, you are legendary status, for life.
“Love you, captain.”
Wright was referring to former Arsenal players Robin van Persie, who wore the captain’s armband, and Alexis Sanchez.
The Dutchman spent eight seasons in north London, scoring 132 goals in nearly 300 appearances.
But the forward made the switch to rivals Manchester United in 2012 for £22.5m, having worn the armband for the previous campaign.
Van Persie tasted Premier League glory in his first season at Old Trafford – and even had a guard of honour at the Emirates Stadium.
While Sanchez made the same move after three-and-a-half seasons with the Gunners, scoring 80 goals in 166 games.
But he was lured to Old Trafford in January 2018 as part of a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, which put him on wages of nearly £400,000 a week.
The club’s current captain, though, is set to earn £250,000-a-week in the deal that keeps him at the club until 2023.
He told fans when announcing his new deal: “I’m so happy to stay here. It’s a great day. I want to stay here and become an Arsenal legend. I want to become an Arsenal legend, to leave a legacy.
“Arsenal fans, as you know, I've just signed da ting! It's done, I'm really happy to be staying here. This is my home. It's a great day. I just can’t wait for you to be back here.”
