Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has hit back at “bulls***” reports his relationship with Youtube channel AFTV is causing a rift at Arsenal .
The Gunners striker has struck up a friendly rapport with the channel – known formerly as Arsenal Fan TV.
He has only recently been appointed as Arsenal captain following Granit Xhaka’s outburst at fans that saw him stripped of the armband.
But the 30-year-old’s relationship with AFTV is a contentious issue, and is believed to be contributing to unrest in the Arsenal camp.
Aubameyang responded to the rumours by posting a picture of himself looking glum on Instagram , along with the message: “I just arrived in Gabon and hear a lot of bulls***.
(Image: aubameyang97/Instagram)
“I talk with who I want, whenever I want, and if somebody’s not happy with… you already know.”
The Gabonese forward then finished his post with a middle finger emoji.
His response comes following a report by the Athletic which suggested that the success of AFTV has been largely at the expense of the Arsenal team.
Aubameyang has ‘liked’ a number of the channel’s posts on social media, including one from June which criticised Emery and another in September which encouraged the sale of Xhaka.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
He has also been engaging with one of the channel’s main contributors, Troopz, who Aubameyang has seemingly invited to use his executive box at Emirates previously.
The channel is known for publishing content from fans on matchdays criticising the team and its players.
Some Arsenal fans feel Aubameyang’s close bond with the channel is a way of trying to avoid criticism himself.
One Arsenal fan tweeted: “Aubameyang mingling with Troopz is so unprofessional.”
Another said: “The fact Aubameyang is buddies with the AFTV crew should have automatically ruled him out in the running for captaincy.”
Emery said upon appointing Aubameyang to the role: “Aubameyang is first [captain] because he is experienced and he has the respect of the dressing room.
“He was the top scorer last year in the league and I know he needs time to take that responsibility 100 per cent but we will support him.”
