How Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made his unlikely English football debut in Newcastle suburb

The Arsenal star played a match against Heaton Stannington back in the day
Aubameyang in action for Gabon at the 2012 Olympics (Image: Getty Images)Aubameyang in action for Gabon at the 2012 Olympics (Image: Getty Images)
Aubameyang in action for Gabon at the 2012 Olympics (Image: Getty Images)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a name on the lips of football fans at the moment, especially Newcastle United supporters, as his off the pitch antics see him being rumoured with a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

The talisman currently remains odds on to stay at the London club after the January transfer market, but should he move away then the Magpies are favourites to secure his signature.

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Aubameyang has clearly played at St. James' Park before, grabbing two goals and two assists across his four appearances at the stadium, but he has also been elsewhere on Tyneside too.

In 2012, whilst playing at club level for Saint-Etienne, he was also preparing to represent Gabon at the London Olympics.

To get ready for the competition, the national side came up to Newcastle to prepare.

Whilst training in the North East, Aubameyang featured in a friendly match against Heaton Stannington.

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The striker starred in the mismatch, scoring twice in the first half before being subbed at halftime. Gabon would go on to win the match 4-0.

Heaton defender Joe Wear was tasked with marking the tricky forward and struggled with the mission... not helped by the fact he had been for a 10 km jog around the Quayside that morning!

At the time Aubameyang was seen arriving at the match in a Vauxhall Astra, a stark difference to the £2 million Ferrari he owns now.

When the Gabon side did turn up at the London Olympics, they faced Mexico, South Korea and Switzerland in a group.

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Gabon drew two and lost one in a noble effort, but failed to reach the knockout stages.

If the Arsenal man is wantaway, perhaps Heaton Stannington will make a move for the man who starred against them?

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