'In my heart, I wanted to emulate my father'

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could have played for France or Spain at international level, but ultimately chose to represent Gabon.

So what made the striker pick the west African country rather than two of the heavyweights of European football?

"I was very young when I decided," Aubameyang told Arsenal Player. "Players often take their time to consider their options and make the right choice. 

"For me, the choice was clear. I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. He was captain of the 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.

"I do think that I'm a footballer now because [my father] played the game. I remember I loved it when I first went to see him play at the stadium. The fact he was capped so many times for Gabon, of course it made me want to represent the country's colours.

"There are some similarities in the way we play. My dad was an attacker at the start of his career - he was very fast. Then, when he went to Laval, he changed position, moving further back. 

"My father was very strong physically - I'd say I'm less so. I don't think I've been capped as many times for Gabon. So for now he's still the best, in my eyes at least."