Gabon and Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has retired from international football.
The 32-year-old is the fourth most-capped player in Gabon history, with 72 appearances.
He has played at three Africa Cup of Nations since his debut in 2009, scoring 30 international goals during his during his 13-year career.
Aubameyang missed this year’s Nations Cup finals after he contacted Covid just before the Panthers’ opener against Comoros.
News about his retirement from the national team were revealed by the Gabon Football Federation (Fegafoot) in a press release sent to media houses on Wednesday.
“The captain of the Panthers will no longer be with the national team for the next qualifiers, the final phase of which is scheduled in Cote d’Ivoire. The FC Barcelona striker has decided to end his international career and sent a letter to the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) on May 17, 2022,” the communique reads.
Aubameyang said;“After 13 years of pride in representing my country, I announce that I am ending my international career. I would like to thank the Gabonese people and all those who have supported me in good and bad times.
“I will keep a lot of good memories, like the day I made my debut or the day I came back from Nigeria with the African Ballon d’or. Sharing it with all the people was an unforgettable moment.
“I thank our President, his excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba who has always supported the Panthers and has always worked for football to evolve in our country. I would also like to thank all my coaches, staff and the players that I have come across during this career.
“Finally, I thank my father who gave me the desire to do like him, hoping to have him proud by wearing our colours.”
