Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Explains Why He Chose Gabon Ahead Of Spain And France

For most nationality comes simply with where you were born but some have a totally different outlook on it. For a footballer deciding what nationality you are can have a huge impact. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed why he chose Gabon.

There have been many footballers over the years who could have represented more than one national team. For some making that decision must be pretty easy, for others it can be a whole lot more complicated and sometimes the decision they make ends up being the wrong one.

Diego Costa could have played for Brazil or Spain and after one friendly for the country of his birth changed his mind. At the 2014 World Cup that decision seemed to negatively impact both countries.

_{Check out this team of players who could have played for England, good choice not to lads:}

Spain abandoned the 'false nine' that had earned them success at the previous three international tournaments and got knocked out of the Group Stages. Brazil staggered through to the semi-final but had misfiring Fred as their number nine, how they needed Costa- utter disaster.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could have played for Gabon, Spain or France, whose under 21s he played for, eventually picking Gabon and speaking to Arsenal's website he revealed why, saying:

"I was very young when I decided [which country to play for]. Players often take their time to consider their options and make the right choice, but for me the choice was clear.

"I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. He was captain of the [Gabon] national side in the past. I could well have chosen to play for Spain or France. I played for the French under-21 team, but I realised very quickly that in my heart I wanted to emulate my father."

Aubameyang playing for Gabon. Image: PA Image

Pierre Francois Aubameyang, who is now a scout for his son's former team AC Milan, played in defence for Gabon 80 times between 1985 and 1998 and recreating his father's footsteps was clearly important for the forward.

And family is a bit of a theme in the 28 year old's career as he has often spoken about playing for Real Madrid in the future because his granddad was a fan of the Spanish giants.

It's amazing when you think that he could have already been a World Cup winner with Spain or a future World Cup winner with France but he'll never get close with Gabon, fair play to him.

Topics: Football News, Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Spain, France

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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