Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is considering a heartfelt request from the Gabon president to step out of international retirement.
The Blues striker has met with his homeland’s leader Ali Bongo Ondimba, who has asked the centre-forward to reverse his decision to stop playing for his country.
Aubameyang announced his international retirement in 12 months ago following a successful 13-year spell with Gabon during which he scored 30 goals in 72 appearances.
He is the country’s all-time leading scorer and the only Gabonese player to be named African Footballer of the Year.
The 33-year-old and his family are said to have a close relationship with president Ondimba, who hopes he can entice the striker - who is recognised as one of the most successful sporting figures in Gabon’s history - to end his international exile. Aubameyang is seriously considering the possibility.
Gabon are currently top of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group that also includes leaders Sudan, Mauritania and Democratic Republic of Congo.
And there is a feeling that Aubameyang’s presence can help Gabon’s safe passage to the tournament and during the finals itself, which will be held in the Ivory Coast in January.
The former Arsenal striker’s club career is at crossroads, with his future unclear heading into the summer transfer window.
Having joined the Blues from Barcelona last summer, he has been on the peripheries of the first-team this season and is expected to leave Stamford Bridge ahead of next season.
Number of clubs in Spain - including former team Barca - are interested.