On August 14 local time, Aubameyang reflected on his time at Olympique Marseille in an interview with L'Équipe. He said he had wanted to stay with the team, but the club ultimately decided to let him leave. Regarding last season’s failure, he believes the players, coaching staff, and management all bear responsibility, and that the team failed to create a “protective circle” to shield itself from external interference, resulting in a chaotic overall environment. Despite being disappointed by the manner of his departure, he still cherishes his experience with Olympique Marseille and the club’s fans. Now joining Deportivo La Coruña, he hopes to use his experience to help the team avoid relegation and return to its peak.

Was leaving Olympique Marseille your own decision, or did the club push for your departure with one year left on your contract?

Aubameyang: Given the circumstances at the time, the club decided that I had to leave. And I would not go against the club's wishes. I'm not the kind of person who likes to cause trouble or feel unwanted. I think the club already had enough problems to deal with at the time, including the team's failure to qualify for this season's Champions League. I would have loved to stay because I truly value this club very much. But the circumstances at the time meant that I couldn't stay.

How would you evaluate the past season?

Aubameyang: Our goal was to qualify for the Champions League, but ultimately we failed. We did not complete our mission. The only positive I can take from it is that, despite everything that happened, we still managed to qualify for a European competition (the Europa League).

From a personal perspective, how did you experience such an environment and those chaotic results?

Aubameyang: It was a very, very tough season. The club's environment at the time was very particular because there were a lot of changes within the team. It wasn't a healthy, stable environment. At Olympique Marseille, you have to try to create your own "protective circle" and not let external matters affect you. We didn't do that last season, and we paid a heavy price for it.

From a competitive perspective, what do you think was the reason for this failure? Was it mainly due to a lack of motivation and commitment from the players, as Benatia recently stated?

Aubameyang: I believe everyone should bear some responsibility for this unsuccessful season: we players are responsible, the coaching staff is responsible, and the management is responsible as well. Communication between the two sides did not fully work.

That's just how it is, and sometimes situations like this do happen. At Olympique Marseille, you have to try to create your own "protective circle" and not let external matters affect you. We didn't do that last season, and we paid a heavy price for it.

It seems you are quite disappointed about this.

Aubameyang: Yes, because at some point, I thought we still had a chance to fight for everything. We were already out of the Champions League, which was indeed a failure, but we still had a lot to fight for then. Unfortunately, it felt like everything was in chaos. Every time we lost a game, it felt like the end of the world, and we never saw the positive side. It's a real shame that we let ourselves be defeated like that, even though we knew we could still contend for the league title and continue in the French Cup.

So, from a personal perspective, how do you assess this period at Olympique Marseille?

Aubameyang: I have no personal regrets about my two stints at Olympique Marseille. I always gave my all and never let this club down.

If you look at my stats and compare them with those of other players last season—although I certainly wish I could have done better—it was still a commendable season: I scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists in 41 appearances.

But I am disappointed by how it ultimately ended. Of course, I will also remember the good times I had here, because this is still a very special club with an incredible fan base. They are very demanding, but when you win, they are equally incredible. My passion for football remains unchanged, and I still crave more: more goals, more celebrations, more assists. I hope to continue enjoying this Sport to the fullest.

Why did you choose to join newly promoted La Liga side Deportivo La Coruña to continue your career?

Aubameyang: Because it is a historic club, a new experience for me, and also a very exciting challenge. The club wants to do everything possible to return to its peak. I still remember the "Super Depor" of the past, which won La Liga (2000) and consistently participated in the Champions League (2000-2005). Everyone loved Deportivo La Coruña because of that glorious period. I want to experience it firsthand and be part of this history. I want to leave my mark here, just like those legendary players of that generation.

Of course, it will take some time, and we have to take it step by step. But I hope to use all my experience to help the team both on and off the field. I also received offers from other teams, but I still crave new challenges, and helping this club return to the highest level is a very special challenge. Of course, our top priority this season is to avoid relegation.

It’s clear that you are very excited about this new project.

Aubameyang: Yes, it feels really great, and it's an exciting time for me. I'm really happy to be here and happy to return to La Liga, because it's an excellent league, and Spanish blood also flows in my veins. The club hopes to use my experience and have me play a central role in the team. I hope everything goes well. My passion for football remains unchanged, and I still crave more: more goals, more celebrations, more assists. I hope to continue enjoying this Sport to the fullest.

When asked about his physical and mental condition,

Aubameyang: I feel good right now. I will do my best to keep playing for many more years. Next year will be my 20th year in professional football, and honestly, I still feel very good. I feel I can still contribute a lot to this Sport, and my passion for football is as strong as ever. As long as my body tells me I can keep playing, I will keep playing. After that, if I feel I can no longer perform at my best or play at a high level, of course, I might choose to retire. But for now, I believe I can still play for a few more years. This is also why I accepted this challenge. I know I can still help the team, score goals, provide assists, and make an impact in games.

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