He considered leaving Arsenal, Aubameyang says. On Thursday, Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang said he was considering leaving the Gunners, but chose to extend his contract.

After manager Mikel Arteta revitalized the English Premier League club and told him that he could leave behind a legacy at the Emirates Stadium, Aubameyang said his change of heart came. Last week, the Gabonese, Arsenal's top goalscorer in the past two seasons, signed a new three-year deal.

It ended speculation over a potential exit as he entered the final year of his previous contract at the north London club.

Following his appointment last season, Arteta made an instant impact at Arsenal with the club winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Europa League.

Aubameyang said his belief in the philosophy of the Spaniard had helped his mind change.

"I was persuaded to stay by two things," Aubameyang said. The first thing was Mikel Arteta, because he's been bringing a lot of positivity and a new philosophy to us since he came in.