Player celebrations have become part of the fabric of the game of football with many players trying to take their acrobatics or dress-up to the next level.
When Arsenal signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2018 from Borussia Dortmund, the fans knew that they were getting a player who enjoys using costumes as part of his celebrations. Even in their now-famous signing on video, both Batman and Spiderman featured in the clips of his goalscoring antics in Germany.
It has not always gone down well with his peers and many have been critical of the celebrations. Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos once got into a major online spat with the forward after he described the striker’s actions as ‘nonsense.’
“I find it very silly," Kroos said once said on his own podcast. "Even worse is if there are any objects hidden in their socks. Aubameyang once celebrated and took out a mask! That's where it ends with me.
"I don't think that's a good role model, either. What nonsense."
Aubameyang said he did it for his son before making a jibe at the German international’s history of being videoed not wearing a mask during the pandemic.
However, Aubameyang has been given a strong incentive never to wear the Spiderman mask in particular again.
Tom Holland who is the current actor adorning the famous Marvel mask spoke in an interview and revealed a personal fact that would dissuade most Arsenal supporters from following his actions.
In an interview, Holland was asked who he would like to play in his dream Champions League final.
He replied, “I’d wanna see Tottenham play Brentford.”
“Cause Tottenham’s my team and Brentford is my uncle’s team. Probably right now we wouldn’t beat Brentford.”
The last sentence is sure to raise a rye smile but Aubameyang may now be mindful before considering using the mask again. The striker’s appreciation for the rivalry is not understated.
Not only did he replicate the famous Thierry Henry celebration when scoring in the north London derby in front of the Tottenham crowd, but when asked recently how he felt about Antonio Conte’s recent appointment his answer lacked no detail.
"I don't care," he said. "I'll be honest, I really don't care. That's not my problem. Really."
Brilliant. He may not be having his best season on the pitch, with a need for more goals on a consistent basis from the striker, but off the field he continues to entertain.
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