Aubameyang: I turned back on chance to sign for Newcastle

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Snubbed Newcastle approach in 2013

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Snubbed Newcastle approach in 2013

In-demand Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed he snubbed the chance to join Newcastle prior to his move to the Bundesliga giants.

The Gabon international striker is now wanted by all of Europe’s top clubs after scoring 31 goals in 34 games this season, despite his claims he plans to stay at the Westfalenstadion.

However when he moved to Dortmund in 2013, interest in Aubameyang was not particularly high and he only commanded a fee of around £10million.

St Etienne, though, were keen for the frontman to join Newcastle but he shunned them in favour of the Bundesliga.

“I received an offer from Qatar of €10m per year. If I accepted, my family would be set up for life,” Aubameyang told L’Equipe.

“We chose to stay at Saint-Etienne, where I got €70,000 per month, knowing that, given my qualities, I could earn money tomorrow.

“The following season, Saint-Etienne wanted to send me to Newcastle.

“We opted for Dortmund, finalist in the Champions League, because my father studied Klopp’s game, even though the pay was lower.”