Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's father has described the 34-year-old's time at Chelsea as a 'nightmare' and revealed why his move to Marseille came as a big 'relief'.
Aubameyang sealed his escape from the Premier League giants earlier this month after signing a three-year deal with the French side.
The transfer puts an end to his disappointing spell at Chelsea and his ill-fated return to the Premier League following his previous spell with Arsenal.
Aubameyang's father believes the transfer to Marseille will help resurrect his son's career after a 'nightmare year at Chelsea'.
Speaking to L'Equipe, Pierre-Francois said: 'His jaw was broken by robbers at his home in Barcelona while trying to protect his wife and children.
'At Chelsea, he played with a mask at the start. It could only be a nightmare year. Now it's over. He has a smile. He knows that I'm seeing the light again because I can walk and run since my last operation.'
Aubameyang's father went on to add: 'He's signing for [Marseille]. It is a big relief after the nightmare year that he experienced [at Chelsea].'
'There was contact with Saudi Arabia, but when [Marseille] come forward… who hasn't dreamed of playing for this club? Especially in Africa. I keep receiving messages from back home.'
Aubameyang joined Chelsea on deadline day last summer as the anticipated solution to their search for an out-and-out goalscorer No 9.
His former Borussia Dortmund mentor Thomas Tuchel being in charge of Chelsea at the time was a big part of the appeal.
However, Aubameyang fell down the pecking order soon after Tuchel was sacked - despite an encouraging start under Graham Potter.
The team's form faded and Aubameyang found himself behind false nine Kai Havertz when it came to Potter's preferences.
Aubamyeng was later left out of Chelsea's squad for the Champions League knockout stages - causing speculation over his future at the club.
That alerted a number of clubs to his situation in Europe, the MLS and Saudi Arabia before Marseille emerged as main contenders to sign the 34 year-old.
Marseille finished third in the French league last season securing qualification for the Champions League qualifying round.
Their new manager Marcelino is a long-term admirer of Aubameyang and was in charge of Valencia when the striker scored a Europa League semi-final against the La Liga side in 2019.
Aubameyang also has experience of playing in Ligue 1, having previously represented St Etienne.
Blaqpablo
0
Nightmare on what ground, he was employed to do the work of scoring goals and he chooses otherwise. please spare us the time of lamentations and let him try elsewhere. In Chelsea we don't give a dame, it's eather you deliver or face the exit door. Good luck to your son in Marseille. We're Chelsea.
and how many times was he used??
RS11thebest11
2
It's his own fault.... Why didn't he take another number knowing that every striker f ups at Chelsea you should have done your homework
Wuyemnopty
1
The problem is goal drought and ur son is not at his best to water it.
No chances = No goals
Wuyemnopty
0
why did he not prove him self as top player 🥱🥱🥱
Need to be on pitch to do that
Wuyemnopty
0
Wishing you well Auba, may you rise to the 🔝.
He will love sunny Spain then again don't we all
Wuyemnopty
0
It was a mistake to leave barcelona, but wish you good luck Auba
Tuchel made another transfer mistake
Wuyemnopty
0
Aubameyang was also a NIGTMARE to Chelsea..
170,000 week salary just googled it
Wuyemnopty
1
Why did he not demand to leave or on loan because he was happy collecting the huge salary but he was unfairly treated getting exactly 170,000 pounds per week for doing nothing is a nightmare
wayneodg
0
show some respect mate
where am I being disrespect here???
Yorokiri
5
Aubameyang was also a NIGTMARE to Chelsea..
seudlnty
2
Wish him all the best, but Auba has to choose between been a professional footballer and his extraordinary social activities. Go and do what you've been doing for years, GOAL KING
Sumbdlrtuz
0
It was a mistake to leave barcelona, but wish you good luck Auba
Fipilpstz
0
Wishing you well Auba, may you rise to the 🔝.
Mikel-ARTETA
0
Aubameyang should go to Crystal Palace to replace Zaha ..they need striker
show some respect mate
Vezonic22
0
Not all transfers are meant to be but one will never know until it all comes with a slap in the face.
kepcikmpsz
1
Accept reality that the guy is old and can't keep up with the strength and pace of EPL
Willygeez
3
The whole world told him to not wear the number 9 jersey, but he paid no attention to the warnings. So it's only him to blame and nobody else. We wish him all the best in his next assignments 🙏🏾.
GodfreyMutei
3
It was both Nightmare n Daymare! This is Aubameyang in Chelsea line-up whenever he was called upon
Simpler02
1
Auba all the best wherever you go I don't have any beef with you bro
shankarrrr1010
0
Nightmare on what ground, he was employed to do the work of scoring goals and he chooses otherwise. please spare us the time of lamentations and let him try elsewhere. In Chelsea we don't give a dame, it's eather you deliver or face the exit door. Good luck to your son in Marseille. We're Chelsea.
lol
mimbcempyz
2
Nightmare on what ground, he was employed to do the work of scoring goals and he chooses otherwise. please spare us the time of lamentations and let him try elsewhere. In Chelsea we don't give a dame, it's eather you deliver or face the exit door. Good luck to your son in Marseille. We're Chelsea.
wayneodg
0
Aubameyang should go to Crystal Palace to replace Zaha ..they need striker
MaddyKotagiri
0
Hopefully your son scores some goals in League One, wish you the best 👍🏼
Juodikpr
2
why did he not prove him self as top player 🥱🥱🥱
abhuehsaan
2
The problem is goal drought and ur son is not at his best to water it.
Heyacesyz
0
He has been good and prolific in front of the goal. And he's going to shine again. Once a gunner... The Emirates can't forget your magic