Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's latest Arsenal admission makes feelings on club clear

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has shown Arsenal still have a place in his heart despite his acrimonious exit from the club in the January transfer window.

The striker, 32, joined Barcelona on deadline day after it became clear he had no place in Mikel Arteta 's plans following four goal-laden years at the Emirates.

Aubameyang was stripped of the Gunners captaincy in mid-December for a disciplinary breach and never represented the club again.

His contract was terminated by mutual consent to allow his move to Camp Nou, marking an underwhelming end to his 92-goal stint in North London.

Aubameyang and Arteta have fired numerous barbs at each other since the transfer, with the manager alleging his former player did not fully apply himself in training.

But it appears there are no hard feelings between the Gabonese and Arsenal on a broader level, as he proved by tuning into Saturday's Premier League clash against Brentford.

"I have many friends in my previous teams, I don't forget them," Aubameyang told Catalan outlet Sport. "Whenever I can, I watch their games, for example, Arsenal beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday."

After witnessing the Gunners defeat the Bees thanks to goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka, Aubameyang's weekend got even better as he scored a hat-trick for Barca.

He opened his Blaugrana account in the first half of Sunday's La Liga encounter with Valencia and scored two more times in the 4-1 victory.

Barcelona boss Xavi declared he was "delighted" with Aubameyang's performance, saying: "He has scored goals all his career. He does well when he has space.

"He is mature, intelligent, humble and positive. I am delighted with him."

Barcelona's victory boosted their hopes of Champions League