Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has taken to his programme notes for Arsenal's Premier League clash against West Ham to pay tribute to Emi Martinez.
The Argetine's 10-year spell with the club came to an end this week with it confirmed he would join Aston Villa for £20million. As things stand, Arsenal are close to signing Runar Alex Runarsson as his replaced, as revealed by football.london.
Addressing Martinez's move for the first time since it was confirmed, Aubameyang had nothing but good things to say.
"I talk about my love of the club and I want to say a word for someone else who definitely loves this club, Emi Martinez. He had waited a long time to prove he was a high quality keeper and when he got the chance, he did just that," he told Arsenal's official matchday programme.
"It's going to be difficult for all of us to get used to not having Emi around but we all wish him a fantastic career at Aston Villa, it's a great opportunity for him."
At 31-years-old, Aubameyang has played a key role in the recent success of the club. He scored four goals in the FA Cup semi-final and final as well as scoring the opener and winning goal in the Community Shield win over Liverpool.
Captain while doing so, he also spoke on the importance of this in his decision to stay.
"Captaincy is something that is part of me, it comes from my dad who captained his club and his country and we talked a lot about my decision," he added.
"He knows I can achieve great things at Arsenal, because I'm happy. And you might have heard me talking to Wrighty about 'legacy', what kind of mark I can leave on this club. The manager thinks I can create a positive legacy here by staying and I do too.
"I want to be someone the fans remember for a long time because when it comes down to it, that's it isn't it? It's what the fans think of you, the people whose hearts bleed Arsenal, that's what is most important.
"They are everything. I respect you the fans so much, even when you are angry if things haven't worked out right - tat's football and it's passion. I stay here because I love the fans, they have shown me love since I arrived and it always amazes me. It's why I wanted to tell you, the fans, first in the video you saw on Tuesday."
