Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang addresses leaked footage of him slating Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after Barcelona move

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has posted an apologetic tweet addressing the recently leaked footage of him criticising Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

In a clip which has circulated on social media, former Arsenal striker Aubameyang slammed Arteta for being unable to handle senior players in the dressing room.

"Big characters and big players...he can't deal with it. He needs some young players who don't say anything,” said Aubayemang in the video below.

Arteta stripped Aubameyang of the Arsenal captaincy last season because of a disciplinary breach, with the striker reportedly returning late from a trip abroad.

He was subsequently frozen out of the squad and later moved to Barcelona on a free transfer in the January transfer window after Arsenal agreed to release him from his contract.

It was not the first time Arteta had shown a ruthless streak as manager.

He had previously sanctioned the sale of midfielder Mesut Ozil after falling out with the former Germany international.

Aubameyang, who is now at Chelsea, has confirmed the leaked footage was taken shortly after his move to Barcelona when tensions were still high.

"Aware there is a video out that was recorded just after I arrived at Barca," tweeted Aubameyang.

"At the time I still had a lot of bad feelings in me - Arsenal are doing great things this season and I wish all my old guys well, just not on November 6," added the striker, referencing Arsenal's trip to Stamford Bridge next month.

"Now full focus on tomorrow."

Aware there is a video out that was recorded just after I arrived at Barca. At the time I still had a lot of bad feelings in me - Arsenal are doing great things this season and I wish all my old guys well, just not on November 6 😜 Now full focus on tomorrow 🔵

— AUBA⚡️ (@Auba) October 10, 2022

Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League, one point ahead of Manchester City, having beaten Liverpool 3-2 on Sunday.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are fourth – eight points behind the Gunners having played one game less.

Arsenal next face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt away from home on Thursday in the Europa League, while Chelsea travel to face AC Milan in Italy in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Aubameyang will hope to return to Chelsea's starting line-up, having failed to come to off the bench in Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League.